Masterclass Governance for Executives; Effectively Engaging with the Supervisory Board, April 4th 2025
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Hans-Jaap is the CEO and statutory director of a mid-sized SME company. One morning, he receives a call from the Chairman of his Supervisory Board (RvC), who, on his own initiative, has discussed a potential merger with the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of a competitor. The Chairman is enthusiastic and wants to visit soon to discuss the merger, including the implications for the executive team. How should Hans-Jaap approach this?
Masterclass Governance for Executives (dutch spoken)
The interaction between the management board and supervisory board* is crucial tot he success of any organization. A strong Supervisory Board (RvC or RvT) ensures sound general management, adequate risk management, and serves as both a valuable advisor and a supportive employer. Balancing these roles is no easy feat, especially in light of increasing regulations and evolving governance codes. It’s therefore no surprise that supervisory board members frequently seek to update their knowledge and skills. However, effective collaboration requires both parties to be engaged. Executives, too, need to take a moment to reflect on responsibilities and roles, and to explore how theycan work effectively with their supervisory board.
*Note:"Supervisory Board" here refers to the full Supervisory Board (RvC orRvT), as well as its chairman or individual members.
Good governance encompasses the entire framework of rules that surround an organization: legislation, the applicable governance code, the company’s statutes, the regulations of the Executive or Board of Directors, and those of the Supervisory Board. It also emphasizes the practical implementation of these principles—how these parties shape strategy and operations, and also how these parties interact with each other.
This Masterclass addresses both the rules and the practical aspects, ensuring that you can engage with your supervisoryboard with greater confidence and conviction.
The Masterclass runs for one full day and is relevant for executives of both commercial companies and non-profit organizations. The program provides in-depth insights into the roles of executives, within their own organization and in relation to the Supervisory Board. The role of employee participation (as works council) is also covered.
This Masterclass is especially beneficial for:
- Executives who have questions about their mandate in relation to their supervisory board
- Executives who wish to improve collaboration with their Supervisory Board
- Executives who are interested in taking on a role as a supervisory board member
- CEO-shareholders with their own statutory Supervisory Board
- Boardsecretaries, whether or not they have a dual responsibility
- Supervisoryboard members who want to gain a deeper understanding of the executive perspective
Thorough Content and Extensive Experience
The program addresses the latest developments in governance and compliance. Good governance is vital for organizations, economy and society at large. Sustainable long-term value creation is the guiding principle of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (2022). The organization’s statutes are tailored within the legal framework, while it’s company regulations further specify responsibilities for different parties within the governance structure. Formal governance defines the boundaries within which you carry out your role and lead your organization as an executive. Fast-paced and interactive, Annemarie van der Burg (CV below) will guide you through these topics.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to practical application. You will engage in discussions with two experienced governance advisors (Arjan Eleveld and HermanPrakke; CVs below) about the practical challenges you encounter. While the facilitators will present several real-life case studies, there will also be opportunities to share your own experiences and questions. Boardroom dynamics will be at the heart of the session, with transparency and trust as key themes. Throughout the entire program, confidentiality and the Chatham House Rule apply.
Investment:
- Preparation: we kindly ask you to specify in advance the topics you would like to discuss.
- Face-to-face Masterclass/Workshop: 7 hours in Doorn.
- € 1495(excl. VAT), including course materials and lunch.
Program:
09:30 - Arrival at Landgoed Zonheuvel, Doorn
09:45 - Welcome, introduction round, and briefing by Annemarie van der Burg, Chair for the day
10:00 - Good Governance 2025 – Presentation & Dialogue (Annemarie van der Burg)
Governance of Management and Supervision:
- Distinct tasks & responsibilities
- The essence of statutes and regulations
- Business as usual, early warning signals, crisis
The Changing Compliance Landscape:
- Legislation, codes, and currentdevelopments
- ESG, diversity, culture, social safety, AI,and privacy
Good Governance: Structure, Agreements, and Collaboration:
- Further compliance, models, definitions and current Good Governance topics
- Composition of the Supervisory Board
- Information management: receiving and providing information
- (Annual) agenda and interim communications
- Decision-making
- Documentation and follow-up
- Employee participation and external supervisors
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Boardroom Dynamics (Arjan Eleveld & Herman Prakke)
Insights based on supporting Board Evaluations by Jonathan Warner:
- Attitudes and communication betweenexecutives and supervisory members
- Handling information
- The dilemmas faced by supervisorymembers
Boardroom Dynamics:
- Personalities, motivations, behavior, and communications
- Unspoken dynamics, the formation of subgroups
- Team effectiveness
- Irrational decision-making
Participant Case Studies:
- Plenary discussion, analysis, insights, and conclusions
- Advice for effective collaboration
Integrity, Transparency and Trust:
- Integrity, compliance, and transparency
- Reflection on personal trust profiles
- Tools for building a trustingrelationship
16:40 - Conclusions:
- Certificates andreference materials compiled by Annemarie van der Burg
17:00 - Drinks and Departure
The Speakers/Trainers of this Masterclass
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Annemarie van der Burg, Associate Partner Jonathan Warner
Annemarie van der Burg holds a background in Business Administration from Erasmus University (strategic management and organizational psychology; with outstanding results). She has over 25 years of experience in advisory roles, having started her career at Boer & Croon Strategy & Management Group. Over the years, she has specialized in Board advisory, topics management & governance, and organizational and talent development—working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized businesses. Annemarie is the owner of Partner in Leadership & Governance, offering governance education and advisory services (as Board Evaluations). Her primary focus lies in the areas of Leadership & Governance in various sectors. She is also an author in this field.
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Herman Prakke, Partner Jonathan Warner
Herman Prakke graduated as an economist from the University of Amsterdam (cum laude) and brings more than 25 years of international management experience, including at DSM. Over the course of his career, he has increasingly focused on "the human side of enterprise" and intercultural collaboration. His expertise includes leadership development, team-building, coaching, and transformation. Herman advises at both operational and C-level/VP levels across various sectors, both in the Netherlands and internationally. In addition to his role as partner at Jonathan Warner, he also serves as Adjunct at Ashridge Executive Education, Hult Business School.
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Arjan Eleveld, Founding partner Jonathan Warner
Arjan Eleveld studied psychology and spent 16 years in various roles at Gist Brocades, ATKearney, and TNT Post Group. At TPG, he served as Director of Investor Relations, overseeing the company's listings on four stock exchanges in Europe and the United States. In 1998, Arjan became CEO of LTP, which was repeatedly named the best HR consultancy in the Netherlands. From LTP, he founded Jonathan Warner in 2003. In 2014, Arjan left LTP and made Jonathan Warner an independent entity. Since then, Jonathan Warner has evolved into a specialized firm focused on executive advisory and leadership development. Arjan himself brings a wealth of experience in this domain, having authored two management books and numerous articles on governance and leadership.
Registration
For further inquiries and registration for this Masterclass please send an e-mail to: info@jonathanwarner.nl
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