Reimagining the Chair-CEO dynamic

Overview

The relationship between the Chair and CEO is the most critical axis of corporate governance, yet in an era of rapid disruption and agentic AI, the traditional "oversight and execution" model is under immense strain. A high-performance board requires more than just professional distance; it demands a sophisticated partnership built on radical transparency, intellectual friction, and strategic alignment.

In this session, Henri Eliot explores how to navigate this delicate power dynamic when the stakes—and the speed of decision-making—have never been higher. We will move beyond the compliance checklist to examine the "soft" architecture of governance: building a culture of "no surprises," managing the transition from founder-led to board-governed, and ensuring the CEO is both supported and robustly challenged. Whether you are navigating a crisis or steering long-term transformation, mastering this pivotal relationship is the ultimate lever for organisational resilience and boardroom credibility.

Henri Eliot

CFInstD

Henri Eliot is the Founder and Managing Director of Board Dynamics and is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading governance advisors. With a senior executive career spanning global financial centre's including roles at JP Morgan Chase, PwC, Deloitte, and Bank of Montreal, Henri brings a pragmatic, international perspective to the boardroom.

A specialist in Artificial Intelligence and sustainability leadership, Henri is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and a trained mediator through Harvard Law School. He has authored two influential books on governance, Board Shorts and Board Shorts: The Next Wave. His academic background includes an LLB (Hons) from the University of London and a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge. Henri currently serves as Chair of Balle Bros Group and Dodson Group.

 

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

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Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.  See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Megan Beveridge
Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch Manager

+64 21 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Waikato branch acknowledges the generous support of