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The Role of Company/Corporate Secretary : From Process Facilitator to AI-Empowered Strategic Advisor
From Process Facilitator to AI-Empowered Strategic Advisor
Corporate secretaries around the world including in India are standing on the brink of a major transformation. This shift began to take shape back in 2019, with structural changes predicted by platforms like willrobotstakemyjob.com. Now, rapid technological developments, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), are not just changing workflows, they are reshaping the very DNA of governance itself. This is not a passing trend, but a lasting evolution. For corporate secretaries, it demands more than technical knowledge; it calls for awareness, open-mindedness, and a proactive mindset.
Now, rapid technological developments, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), are not just changing workflows, they are reshaping the very DNA of governance itself.
AI is Changing the Rules of the Game
Traditionally, the corporate secretary has acted as a vital link between management and oversight the oil that keeps the machinery of governance running smoothly. But the role is evolving. Secretaries must now also become “perspective givers”: orchestrators of the boardroom experience and strategic partners in governance.
AI can now handle administrative tasks, synthesize large volumes of information, detect trends, assess risks, and even generate strategic scenarios. So what remains for the secretary?
A great deal. AI doesn't replace the corporate secretary, it enhances the role for those who know how to leverage it. A secretary skilled in AI tools becomes a catalyst for transparent, efficient, and responsive governance. Such professionals are not just relevant, they're indispensable.
From Structure to Experience: The Governance Journey
Marketers have long recognized that in an era of overwhelming information, experience matters more than content alone. In brand-building, emotional resonance and user experience win the day. This insight is just as valid in the boardroom.
We call it 'Binge Governance', where each board meeting is not a routine task, but a meaningful episode in a continuous governance narrative. The corporate secretary evolves from process administrator to experience designer - asking:
• Who is my audience (board members, stakeholders)?
• What are their touchpoints?
• Who are the key players in this governance story?
• What narrative are we unfolding?
By using AI-generated summaries, visual storytelling, and strategic communication (text, visuals, video), board meetings become more focused and impactful. The goal? Decisions that are not just efficient, but memorable creating a “peak-end effect” that shapes how decisions are perceived and followed up.
BY using AI-generated summaries, visual storytelling, and strategic communication (text, visuals, video), board meetings become more focused and impactful.
The AI-Empowered Secretary: Three Ways to Deliver Value
A “VAR” of Strategic Insight
AI gives access to massive data volumes. But what matters is curating the right insights at the right time. Think of the secretary as a "Video Assistant Referee" or better yet, a “Video Assistant to the Board.” Your role is to translate complex data into actionable, compliant decision-making information.
Director of Governance Experience
Today's board members deal with constant distractions. Attention is scarce. The secretary's role is to create engaging, well-structured meetings that combine storytelling, visualization, and AI-powered briefings. It's not about PowerPoint anymore, it's about delivering a compelling plot.
Guardian of Ethics and Humanity
AI is powerful, but lacks a moral compass. That's where the secretary comes in serving as the conscience of the board. Ensure that every piece of information aligns with the values and strategic story of the organization. Brief everyone contributing to board materials, ensure alignment with governance goals, and run the "writers' room" like a showrunner.
No Time to Wait
The question is not if AI will change your role but how you will redesign your role to stay relevant. The key is curiosity and courage. Look beyond your industry. Take cues from entertainment, sports, and retail. Use cross-industry innovation. Start small, test ideas, learn fast.
Tomorrow's corporate secretary starts preparing today, entering the boardroom not as a facilitator, but as a visionary, empowered by AI and guided by purpose.
Call to Action
Start by asking yourself:
• What does good governance look like in the age of AI?
• What does ethical decision-making mean when algorithms have a seat at the table?
• How do I ensure my continued relevance in this changing reality?
One thing is certain:
Doing nothing is not an option. The corporate secretary of the future is already experimenting today.
Back to HomeAuthor
Dr. Edo de Vette
He is a governance expert focused on redefining the Corporate Secretary's role. Founder of New Public Support and 24governance, he champions the visibility and impact of governance professionals globally. Author of "De Steen der Wijzen", he shares insights from his 15-year tenure as Corporate Secretary at Portaal. A lecturer at Governance University (Doorn) and Windesheim University (Zwolle), he drives innovation in governance education and practice.
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
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.
