On 22 September 2026, AvS Advisors brought together 18 board directors and chairs in Geneva to discuss a question many boards are facing today: Is our corporate governance system still fit for purpose in a world that changes daily?

The conversation covered how governance needs to reflect a company’s ownership structure and purpose. A widely held listed company, a family-controlled business and a private equity-backed company may all have boards, yet the relationship between owners, board and management can differ significantly. Participants also discussed how the pace of change is affecting the way boards work. Formal meeting cycles increasingly sit alongside more regular contact between meetings, focused working groups and faster access to the board when circumstances require it. Geopolitical developments, AI, cyber risk and changing markets are making this more relevant.

The quality of information available to directors was another important part of the discussion. Extensive board papers do not necessarily help boards focus on the issues most relevant to future decisions. External perspectives can also help directors understand developments beyond the immediate view of management. The roundtable also explored how closely directors should engage with the business. A sound understanding of operations helps boards challenge management effectively, while the distinction between oversight and management remains important. Trust between the chair, CEO and board plays a central role in making this work.

Board composition needs to evolve alongside the environment in which a company operates. Directors do not need to be specialists in every emerging field, but they need enough understanding to recognise relevant implications, ask informed questions and know when additional expertise is required.

The full synopsis of the discussion is available in our latest Client Alert: