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who should the Corporate Secretary report to

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29 Sep 2020 9:53 AM

Message # 9271921

Deleted user

We are reviewing our reporting structure and we are wondering about best practices on the above. I currently report to the President-CEO and I know that this role often reports to the Board Chair. What are the best practices, pros and cons, etc. This review is being done in light of the recently announced retirement of the current PCEO....and planning the future.

30 Sep 2020 6:11 AM

Reply # 9273829 on 9271921

Deleted user

We also have the more common set-up of the Corporate Secretary reporting administratively to the CEO with an implicit or dotted line relationship to the Board Chair and board generally.

I think this is the simpler way to doing it administratively but carries the risk of being “under the CEO’s thumb”. But I think our dual loyalty would be a delicate balance under any set-up.

01 Oct 2020 8:15 AM

Reply # 9276464 on 9271921

Deleted user

We follow the same process as Raj. As long as the CEO respects that some items will be of a confidential nature between the SC and the Chair/Board, the reporting structure should not cause any issues.

15 Dec 2020 6:26 PM

Reply # 9432867 on 9271921

Deleted user

There are two webinars by the Université de Laval that are really helpful ("Batir la confiance au sein d'un CA" and "L'efficacité du CA"). I agree with the previous post that it is a delicate balance the Corporate Secretary must maintain.

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