John Colvin to chair new global director network

John Colvin FAICD, CEO and managing director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has been elected chairman of the newly formed Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI).

GNDI is an international partnership between nine leading membership organisations. Based in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the US, these organisations collectively represent more than 100,000 corporate directors worldwide.

Work to establish GNDI and develop its charter has been ongoing over the past two years and culminated in the first formal meeting of the group in Wellington, New Zealand, in December 2012. At this meeting it was agreed that GNDI members would collaborate to:

Anticipate and explore emerging issues having a global effect 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 says: “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.”

It is anticipated that the number of member institutes in GNDI will grow in coming years as other director institutes from around the world join the organisation.

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