Board Stewardship Huddle 2025 Now In Dubai: Shaping the Future of Governance
The Board Stewardship Huddle is set to take place on February 17, 2025, at Grand Hyatt, Dubai, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (UAE time). This exclusive gathering is presented by Board Stewardship in collaboration with JHS PrimeGlobal, alongside Knowledge Partners – ISB, BoardPAC, Lawyer Point, and Legends Accounting Services – bringing in-depth expertise across governance, compliance, technology, and financial stewardship. The event is expected to welcome over 100 board professionals and compliance experts from the UAE and GCC.
Expressing their enthusiasm for hosting the Board Stewardship Huddle in Dubai for the first time, Huzeifa Unwala, Founder & Senior Partner at JHS Associates LLP, and Vinod Joshi, Managing Partner at JHS Prime Global UAE, highlighted the significance of this milestone as JHS UAE marks its first anniversary.
The Board Stewardship Huddle, built around the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate,” brings together both aspiring and seasoned Independent Directors for enriching conversations, shared learning, and valuable networking. More than just an event, it’s a space for real discussions, fresh insights, and peer-driven learning. Through engaging sessions and meaningful exchanges, Directors will gain practical perspectives to tackle today’s governance challenges—while also celebrating leadership, collaboration, and the power of well-run boardrooms.
The Huddle will feature insightful and interactive sessions led by Shailesh Haribhakti, Board Chairman and Independent Director across multiple Boards, and Vikesh Wallia, Founder of Board Stewardship and its Managing Director & Editor. Joining them will be an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Nasser Munjee, Chairman of Development Credit Bank and a veteran in financial services; and Huzeifa Unwala, Founder & Senior Partner at JHS Associates LLP. The panel will bring together an esteemed group of industry leaders, including Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Executive Chairman of Bandhan Group & Founder and Former MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank; Santosh Nayar, Chairperson of Reliance Nippon Life Insurance; Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, Chairman of IDFC First Bank; Vikas Takhtani, Senior Partner, Legends Accounting, Anupama Menon, CEO, Lawyerpoint Consultancy; Maria Kuznetsova, Senior Executive Officer, eMRGent Risk Solutions Limited; and Arvind Agarwal, Managing Director of Bandhan Financial.
With expertise covering finance, governance, law, and leadership, these renowned thought leaders will drive engaging discussions, challenge conventional perspectives, and provide practical insights to advance boardroom excellence.
Registrations for the event close on February 15, 2025.
Visit boardstewardship.com to register.
Fireside Chat on Mastering Boards
A standout feature of the event will be a Fireside Chat on Mastering Boards, where Shailesh Haribhakti will be engaged in a conversation with Nasser Munjee, Chairman of Development Credit Bank. This thought-provoking session will explore effective board governance, risk management, and the evolving role of Independent Directors in shaping corporate strategy, providing invaluable insights from two of the most respected voices in the industry.
Book Release of “Reimagining ESG”
The Huddle will also witness the highly anticipated book release of “Reimagining ESG,” co-authored by Shailesh Haribhakti, Srinath Sridharan, and Suyash Agarwal. The book explores the next wave of sustainability practices, shedding light on how Boards can drive ESG-focused transformations.
Integrating Sustainability, Governance & Finance in Board Strategy
The event’s first panel discussion, “Integrating Sustainability, Governance & Finance in Board Strategy,” will examine the critical convergence of financial oversight, sustainability initiatives, and Corporate Governance. Moderated by Huzeifa Unwala, the panel will bring together an esteemed group of industry leaders, including Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Founder & Executive Chairman of Bandhan Group; Santosh Nayar, Chairperson of Reliance Nippon Life Insurance; and Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, Chairman of IDFC First Bank. This session will focus on best practices for embedding ESG considerations into boardroom decision-making while ensuring financial strategies align with long-term sustainability objectives.
Governing Ethical Innovation, Risk & Long-Term Value Creation
The second panel discussion will deliberate leadership, governance, and the evolving dynamics of boardrooms, featuring a distinguished panel of experts. Vikas Takhtani, Senior Partner, Legends Accounting, will moderate the session. Anupama Menon, CEO, Lawyerpoint Consultancy; Maria Kuznetsova, Senior Executive Officer, eMRGent Risk Solutions Limited; and Arvind Agarwal, Managing Director of Bandhan Financial, will share their insights on how Independent Directors can amplify their leadership impact, deal with regulatory complexities, and foster greater boardroom diversity.
Independent Director Opportunities in India
Vikesh Wallia will provide valuable insights into the latest industry trends, challenges faced by Independent Directors, and strategies to enhance their impact on corporate boards. This session will discuss the growing opportunities for Independent Directors, the evolving regulatory expectations shaping their roles, and the essential skills needed to excel in this critical governance position.
Huddle and Networking – Dinner
The event will conclude with a networking session, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow board professionals, exchange key takeaways, and explore potential board, chair, and advisory roles on a global scale.
Our partners bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, fostering an unparalleled platform for learning and growth for both aspiring and experienced Independent Directors. JHS PrimeGlobal provides financial and non-financial advisory services across the UK, US, UAE, and India. ISB offers research-driven governance insights, BoardPAC drives digital boardroom solutions, Lawyer Point strengthens legal and regulatory expertise, and Legends Accounting Services enhances financial governance and risk management. Together, they deliver a comprehensive, future-ready perspective for today’s board leaders.
