2nd Greek Corporate Governance Summit-Report

In his opening address, Mr. Konstantinos Ouzounis noted the importance of holding this conference in the current difficult times.

Journalist Christos Konstas coordinated the works of the conference via LiveOn, the innovative, fully featured digital business communication technology developed by ethosGROUP.

Mr. Stefano Marini analyzed the various benefits that the correct application of CG rules may bring to investors while underlining that, in the last years, during the economic crisis and the pandemic, companies’ crisis management capacities were seriously tested.

Mr. Adonis-Spyridon Georgiadis emphasized on the key role of CG, especially now, in this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he explained that the government is looking for ways to encourage CG practices through new legislation.

Mrs. Vassiliki Lazarakou stressed the importance of CG and presented the report of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission‘s activities on the modernization of the legal framework on CG.

Mrs. Chariklia Apalagaki stated that CG has evolved in the last years, underlining that “The law imposed mixed Management Boards on companies. It has become clear that CG in not relevant only to the Board of Directors but should be complemented by the appropriate skills”.

Mr. Alexandros Chatzopoulos marked that CG should be included in companies’ culture by stating: “We should move on to a more resilient and open economy by overcoming hurdles, so as to enable investments on various types of companies, small and big ones, listed on the Stock Exchange or not”.

In her speech, Mrs. Christina Koliatsi stressed that it is important for all of us to share the same value-adding principles. She mentioned that “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors should be incorporated in company rules and adopted by everybody. These practices are linked to sustainability, viability and development strategy”.

Dr Aggelika Gouskou explained how the perception of corporate accountability has evolved over time so that now the biggest part of a company’s value lies in its intangible assets.

Mrs. Penelope Kassani highlighted the fact that the shipping sector is facing multiple challenges related to ESG, given its great impact on the environment.

Mrs. Kiara Condi stated that investors mostly focus on ESG information, revealing an increasing interest in information from companies’ internal sources.