Aussie Chairman for New Global Director Network

John Colvin

The chief executive and managing director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John Colvin, has been elected chairman of a new global network of corporate directors.

The Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI) is a new international partnership between nine membership organisations for corporate directors in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US.

Colvin will be supported in his role by Stan Magidson, president and chief executive of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) in Canada, who will reportedly serve as deputy chairman.

Colvin said he was “pleased” with his new appointment.

“The GNDI brings together the leading associations serving corporate directors around the world to complement the work of its member organisations, providing a global voice and a forum for sharing knowledge, insights and leading practices,” Colvin said.

“I am pleased to have been elected the Chair of this group which will discuss issues that are having an impact globally on corporate governance, promote best practice and advocate on relevant governance matters that cut across national boundaries.”

The AICD said in a statement that work to establish the group and develop a charter had taken place over the last two years with the first formal meeting of the group in New Zealand in December last year.

The AICD said that the GNDI agreed its members would work together to:

• Anticipate and explore emerging issues having global impacts on corporate governance
• Develop and promote leading practices and programs that enhance the ability of corporate directors to ensure long-term, sustainable performance for the benefit of shareholders and other stakeholders
• Educate key influencers regarding the benefits and values of exemplary leadership in the boardroom
• Amplify the voices and perspectives of corporate directors on matters related to boardroom leadership.

Colvin said that the AICD was committed to governance best practice and to raising the standard of governance.

“Being a part of GNDI allows us to draw from international experience and successes to help us to achieve our aims both in Australia and internationally,” he said.

The member institutes of the GNDI represent directors from over 9 countries.

According to AICD, this number is anticipated to grow in coming years as other director institutes from around the world join the organisation.