Chairing Public Company Boards: Leading Through Shareholder Pressure, Disclosure Demands, and CEO Crises

Canadian public company chairs operate in a high-stakes governance environment marked by activist investors, evolving disclosure mandates, and heightened expectations of CEO accountability. Failure to manage these pressures can destabilize boards and erode market confidence.

Through case scenarios, you will explore proxy battles, disclosure oversight under CSA/CBCA frameworks, and reputational crises involving senior leadership. Analyze real-world dilemmas and practice strategies for preserving board cohesion and regulatory compliance and boost your ability to:

 

• Anticipate and manage shareholder activism while maintaining board stability.
• Fulfil the chair’s oversight duties regarding climate and diversity disclosures.
• Lead the board effectively during reputational crises involving CEO conduct.

Who Should Participate?

These peer-to-peer sessions are for those who have completed the ICD Chairing Boards course. It has been tailored for current or near-term board chairs of for-profit, large not-for-profit, and Crown organizations beginning their term in the next six to twelve months. This program is not intended for committee chairs unless they meet the above criteria.