Rogers’ Board Drama: Who’s in Charge?

As the family feud and Board woes unfold at Rogers, where is the governance conscience?

One of the most prominent governance scandals in the country is happening in real-time with the unfolding Rogers board debacle.

This current feud illustrates a shaky governance foundation with gaps in several areas, including accountability and independence issues, founder syndrome, board structure and dynamics, board-management relationships and more. The eventual outcome of this situation may set precedents in the governance landscape for years to come.

This session will explore key issues surrounding the current Rogers Debacle

• Who’s in charge?
• Who are the key players?
• Speculations on the BC court decision
• Founder syndrome and family companies going public - Are they exempt from good governance practices?
• Are they exempt from good governance practices?
• Board dynamics between chair and CEO
• How can governance professionals manage the balance between the board and management?
• What role can the GP play in situations like these to mitigate the damage?
• What is the role of the independent board members
• Good governance practices –  what processes could have helped this situation?
• What happens going forward?
• What new precedents can and should be established here?

Panelist:

John Dinner

President

John T. Dinner Board Governance Services

Heather Laxton

Chief Governance Office and Corporate Secretary

Wesdome Gold Mines

Richard Powers

National Academic Director,

Directors Education Program and Governance Essentials Program

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Moderator:

Lynn Beauregard 

President

Governance Professionals of Canada