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A Report on IOD Evening Workshop & Members' Meet - 2025
The Institute of Directors (IOD), Chennai Region, hosted Chennai Regional Members' Meet 2025, held on August 30, 2025, at The Savera Hotel, Mylapore, Chennai. The event brought together board directors, governance professionals, business leaders, and IOD members to deliberate on how boards can be bold, ethical, and resilient as they navigate the future of corporate governance.
INAUGURALSESSION
The 'Welcome Address' was delivered by:
Mr. G. Srinivasan
Hon. Chairman
Institute of Directors (IOD), Chennai Region
MD & CEO, Galaxy Health Insurance
Mr. Srinivasan set a powerful tone by underscoring that corporate boards are custodians of public trust, especially as retail investors increasingly place their savings in listed companies. He stressed the importance of foundational governance practices, balanced oversight, and ethical stewardship as the key pillars for earning and sustaining public trust.
The 'Context-Setting Address' was delivered by:
Dr. Sundari Suresh
Chief General Manager
Institute of Directors (IOD), Chennai Region
Dr. Suresh shared the case of Satyam's revival, highlighting how decisive leadership, transparent risk management, and regulatory collaboration enabled a remarkable governance turnaround. She reinforced that strong governance is essential for corporate success and reputational recovery.
The 'Special Address' was delivered by:
Dr. Velan
Chief Executive Officer
Ceebros Group
Dr. Velan emphasised sustainability in real estate and corporate practice. He spoke about the impact of IGBC,
LEED, and GRIHA-certified developments in Chennai, highlighting how green buildings, zero-waste strategies, and carbon-neutral initiatives are redefining responsible growth. He noted that such practices not only minimise environmental impact but also enhance brand value and cost efficiencies for businesses.
The 'Keynote Address' was delivered by:
CA Dr. Gopal Krishna Raju
Independent Director on Tamil Nadu Magnesite Ltd., and Tamil Nadu Industrial Explosives
Dr. Raju highlighted how artificial intelligence and digital platforms are reshaping business functions. Directors were reminded of the dual nature of AI: while it brings insights, automation, and efficiency, it also elevates risks around data privacy, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity. Boards were urged to place technology risk management at the strategic level, institute privacy audits, and establish clear ethical boundaries for data usage.
PLENARYSESSION
PANEL DISCUSSION ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & BOARD IMPERATIVES
The session was moderated by:
CA Sandeep Dhingra
Strategic CFO, GCC Expert & Business Leader
Board Advisor
The panel featured the following Distinguished Speakers:
1. Mr. Adarsh Shetty
Co-Founder & Managing Director
AddAptech Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
Bengaluru
2. Mr. Bala Kanakasabai
Founder & Managing Director
Amshushu iTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
The panel explored high-profile governance challenges in companies such as Gensol Engineering (BluSmart), Yes Bank, Byju's, DHFL, and BharatPe, highlighting issues of weak internal controls, related-party transactions, and promoter dominance. Speakers emphasised the critical role of independent directors and audit committees in sustaining stakeholder trust during crises.
The discussion also focused on the rising influence of emerging technologies, particularly AI and cybersecurity risks. Panelists called for directors to upskill, strengthen oversight frameworks, and cultivate resilience at the board level. Ethical deployment of AI—through explainability, accountability, and stakeholder engagement was highlighted as a board-level imperative.
Sustainability was positioned as central to board leadership, with calls to embed ESG principles, KPIs, and board-level ownership of the sustainability agenda. The panel concluded that adaptability, technological literacy, diversity, and stakeholder orientation are essential for future-ready boards.
'Closing Remarks' & 'Vote of Thanks’
The event concluded with vibrant networking sessions, enabling directors to exchange ideas and forge collaborations. The IOD Chennai Members' Meet exemplified the power of professional dialogue in advancing boardroom leadership. The deliberations reiterated that agility, ethics, resilience, and inclusive governance are the cornerstones for boards to thrive in an era of disruption.
SUPPORTING Partners:
• AddAptech Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
• Amshuhu iTech Solution Pvt. Ltd.
This report is compiled by:
Dr. Sundari Suresh
Chief General Manager
Institute of Directors (IOD), Chennai Region
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Institute of Directors India
Bringing a Silent Revolution through the Boardroom
Institute of Directors (IOD) is an apex national association of Corporate Directors under the India's 'Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860'. Currently it is associated with over 31,000 senior executives from Govt, PSU and Private organizations of India and abroad.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
