PICG's conference focuses on challenges faced by company Secretaries

Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG) in collaboration with the European Management Development Institute (EMADIN) and knowledge partner TXT Solaris organised a conference followed by workshop on 'The Changing Role of the Company Secretary' here on Wednesday and Thursday.
With a brief introduction by PICG President and CEO, Fuad A Hashimi, which highlighted the transition of the Company Secretary from humble beginnings to a far more complex role, the conference focused on the increasing challenges faced by Company Secretaries in meeting not only their core responsibilities of serving and advising the Board and its committees, but also other wide ranging duties in a business environment with growing demands for developing corporate governance systems.
David Demetrius, President of Emadin, delivered the keynote address on recent changes in Company Law, audit requirements, duties and responsibilities and potential penalties from the perspective of the Company Secretary. The core duties and qualifications of the Company Secretary and their relationship with other offices were highlighted in detail along with changes in Directors' duties and responsibilities.
Later, Tariq Saeed, Company Secretary of Shell Pakistan, spoke on the 'Playing a Pivotal Role to the Board'. He spoke about the administrative, compliance and operational functions of a Company Secretary from a local perspective and how Company Secretaries play a pivotal role in the effective functioning of the company thereby contributing towards its overall success.
The conference was concluded with a panel discussion by the two speakers and Ms Neelofer Hameed, Company Secretary of International Industries Limited (IIL) and Muhammad Shuaib, Company Secretary of Pakistan International Airlines. The panellists elaborated on 'Stakeholders' Influence on the Company Secretary's Role and Performance' after which the floor was opened for question and answers. The workshop on 'Key responsibilities, relations with the board and other stakeholders' was conducted by David Demetrius after the conference and was attended by delegates from 20 well-known corporations and banks. -PR