Dear Members,
After a fulfilling and momentous year, 2024 brought a new spirit and sense of direction to all of us.
A warm welcome to all of you; Distinguished IOD Governing Council Members, IOD Fellows, IOD Members, IOD Institutional Members, and IOD Associate Members.
It gives me immense pleasure to write this message in my capacity as Secretary- General (2023-2026) of the Institute of Directors, an apex premier association of Corporate Directors in India, which has grown multi-fold over the years with an inclusive approach.
Thank you all for being part of our IOD Family in driving the effective Board Agenda.
The last financial year, 2023-24, has been another record year for IOD. This milestone coincides with IOD's celebration of 34 years of dedicated service to the boardroom community. Today, IOD plays a pivotal role in India's corporate landscape.
I am grateful to the IOD Governing Council and Advisory Council Members, particularly our respected Honorary National Chairman, Co-Chairman and Vice Chairman of IOD National Advisory Council, IOD President, all other distinguished Council Members, IOD Office bearers, for their continued mentorship and guidance towards the development and growth of IOD.
This year, IOD is celebrating 34 years of dedicated service to the boardroom community.
This is a significant accomplishment that we are immensely proud of as an IOD Family. My special thanks and gratitude to all our IOD staff and colleagues for their hard work and efforts in supporting IOD's mission and keeping the momentum going!
Today, IOD plays an important role in India's corporate landscape. It is dedicated to supporting both the current generation of board members and the next generation of leaders to drive positive change and innovation in the corporate world.
The last financial year, 2023-24, has been another record year for IOD. All departments - Membership, Training, Events, Awards Excellence, Board Research, and Publications—posted significant growth and development.
To keep our Members and the boardroom community abreast of the latest changes and trends in Corporate Governance & Sustainability, IOD organized a large number of highly successful Regional, National, and Global Conventions in India and overseas, attracting a diverse group of board experts, professionals, and business leaders from around the world.
Over the years, IOD's Training Programs have become one of the most sought-after quality certification programs. These programs help Members/Directors position corporate governance and compliance as strategic business partners and gain leadership and communication skills to push the 'Corporate Governance' agenda internally. In record time, IOD has now completed over 460 batches of various training sessions. IOD is also expanding into global markets to offer various training certification programs in a few countries to broaden its market and global footprint. It has been conducting exclusively designed programs for women-exclusive associations like FICCI FLO, CII IWN, among others, through various MoU collaborations.
IOD has also been helping and supporting many Boards in finding skilled and competent Independent Directors through its newly revamped IOD Directors Databank. This special initiative represents a repository of Members, Directors, and aspiring Directors interested in taking up Board positions or Advisory roles in any industry. Today, the IOD Directors Databank serves as a targeted pool for scouting global top-tier talent for boardroom positions and exploring board opportunities.
The famed Golden Peacock Awards, another prime initiative of IOD and a distinctive mark of excellence, completes 33 glorious years. It is now regarded as a hallmark of corporate excellence, both in India and increasingly globally.
IOD supports many boards in their board and directors' performance evaluations to improve their governance standards. IOD's 'Board Research and Advisory' wing, which offers board evaluation services to various boards, is now receiving immense popularity and response from various large corporate boards. We are also working on various initiatives to combat climate change, ESG training, advocacy initiatives, global webinars, and partnering with global institutions to drive progress in these areas and provide advisory services in preparation for the challenges ahead.
IOD's publications, such as 'Director Today' - a monthly magazine, a range of 'Handbooks for Directors', 'Winners Digest', and others, have been widely appreciated by members and the business community. They are now available on various ecommerce platforms.
At the IOD Secretariat, we are committed to collaborating with like-minded institutions and global associations to deliver distinguished services and support to our members and communities. We have lined up many new initiatives to further advance new membership services, new training activities, exploring new hubs for global conventions, new awards for excellence, new handbooks/publications for directors to keep our boardroom community tech-savvy and future-ready, among many others.
Once again, my special appreciation and thanks to all IOD staff and colleagues for their regular support and cooperation in achieving IOD's desired goals and results. You have my deepest gratitude and utmost respect.
It was, over all, a very fulfilling year and we look forward to the future.