Introduction to Directors Institute of Finland Jorma Eloranta
Trends in corporate boards The business environment and global economy have changed considerably during the last ten years Regulation and corporate law as well as broader stakeholder engagement have increased significantly The role of corporate boards of directors has grown in importance More focus by investors and media The role of corporates as enablers in society and welfare are also accepted The work and responsibilities of corporate boards of directors are more demanding: Directors need global view and strategic understanding Good governance is a must Board assignments require more focus and work, and shareholders increasingly require more professional skills and understanding of regulation from their representatives
Directors Institute of Finland Mission DIF helps support the success, profitability and growth of Finnish businesses. DIF is a non-profit organization with the aim of promoting corporate governance and standards, and contributing to the work of corporate boards and non-executive directors through influencing, educating and networking. DIF is a member organization of the European Confederation of Directors Associations (ecoda), which was founded in 2004. Vision DIF is a leading forum for the development of corporate governance and standards in the country. DIF develops the professional skills and expertise of its members and promotes good governance and the success of Finnish companies. It is an influential membership organization and an active participant in the national debate on corporate governance. The role of corporate boards is increasingly important. Globalization of business and markets has led to broader responsibilities, new challenges and increased work-loads facing non-executive directors, requiring good corporate governance practices and skills.
Membership Individual members: 474 persons Corporate members: 4 most significant institutional shareholders in Finland Ilmarinen pension insurance company Varma pension insurance company Elo pension insurance company Solidium Oy state holding company Individual members 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 15 45 43 79 110 167 179 201 239 261 300 347 444 474 2014 Year
Membership benefits Personal development Members have access to our comprehensive databases regarding corporate governance and best practices, legislation and key issues faced by business leaders and board directors. The databases and library have been created by members of our network and associates who are Finland s leading experts on corporate governance, and these are regularly updated. Connections and networking DIF holds regular members luncheons and breakfast briefings featuring keynote speakers on important topics. These events allow you to connect and build strong networks with fellow members and business leaders. The Annual Meeting of the association, in May, coincides with a high-profile seminar based on a key theme relating to corporate governance. Boardview magazine and newsletters Members receive our monthly e-mail newsletters as well as Boardview, the quarterly magazine. Board members recruitment services Our members can register their availability for board assignments on our recruitment site which is specially designed to serve small and medium-sized enterprises. The recruitment and agency services are free of charge to members. Influencing The Directors Institute of Finland is a highly respected and regular issuer of policy and position papers. Our members are regular contributors to the preparation of these opinions and papers.
Directors Toolkit in intranet Six areas 1. Governance 2. Remuneration 3. Regulation 4. Leadership 5. Strategy 6. Economy with the total of 18 sections Expands in 2014 with Sustainability, Financing etc. Regularly updated content with both global and Finnish perspective Created together with leading specialist partners
Thank you. Jorma Eloranta Directors Institute of Finland Hallitusammattilaiset ry Aleksanterinkatu 48 A FI-00100 Helsinki, FINLAND +358 9 6227 1840 info@dif.fi dif.fi tietopankki.dif.fi