Transformational Governance The Focus of 4th Annual Institute of Corporate Directors National Conference

MONTREAL, Sept. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Approximately 600 Canadian corporate and non-corporate directors gathered in Montreal today at the fourth annual ICD National Conference to discuss transformational governance, change and innovation, and the need to keep pace with the ever-evolving business landscape.

During the one-day conference, ICD members and delegates, alongside a faculty of seasoned directors, CEOs, and experts, explored the theme, Transformational Governance: Embracing change and innovation successfully, in three separate panel sessions. The key learnings from the day included:

• The working relationship between the board and management, along with cultural change within an organization are key factors in driving strategy, transformational change and innovation;
• Innovation for innovation sake isn't the solution; it needs to contribute to the progress of the business
• Change should be the norm for organizations; status quo should be a concern;
• Directors underestimate how much millennials are transforming our organizations and industries;
• Boards must strive for a clear window into what management is doing; this is a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.

Speakers during the day included Jean-René Halde, President and CEO, BDC, Monique Leroux, Chair, President and CEO of Desjardins, Claude Mongeau, President and CEO of CN, Robert Tessier, Chairman of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, and Kathleen Taylor, Chair of RBC, among others. The keynote speech was delivered by Ian Bourne, Chair of SNC Lavalin, who spoke about revamping a business and affecting cultural change in times of crisis.

"These thought provoking and frank discussions will certainly prove valuable as we navigate our way through this challenging and ever-changing territory," said Stan Magidson, President and CEO of the ICD. "It's clear from today's attendance that there is great interest in the issue of transformational governance, and I am pleased that the ICD National Conference has been able to serve as an effective platform for Canada's director community to engage on this topic."

Mr. Magidson added: "We are particularly pleased to have taken this futuristic look at corporate governance in the vibrant city of Montreal, and would like to thank our ICD Quebec Chapter for their significant contribution to the great success of this conference."

The ICD would like to thank co-chairs, Monique F. Leroux, CM, OQ, FCA, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, Desjardins Group; Claude Mongeau, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN; and Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, for an engaging day of thoughtful discussion and learning.

About The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is the definitive 'go-to' resource and voice for Canada's directors and boards in the for-profit, not-for-profit and Crown sectors.  As the national community for directors, the ICD is a not-for-profit, member-based association with more than 8,700 members and a network of 11 chapters across Canada. Representing the interests of directors, the ICD fosters the sharing of knowledge and wisdom through education, professional development programs and services, and thought leadership and advocacy to achieve the highest standard of directorship. For more information, please visit: www.icd.ca.

Image with caption: "The keynote speech was delivered by Ian Bourne, Chair of SNC Lavalin, who spoke about revamping a business and affecting cultural change in times of crisis. (CNW Group/Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140919_C9345_PHOTO_EN_42829.jpg

SOURCE: Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

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