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Understanding Corporate Governance: The Role and Responsibilities of Boards of Directors

Nov 10, 2025
Elaine Dorward-King, a seasoned mining executive with over 30 years in the industry, shares her insights on the pivotal role of Boards of Directors. She discusses her transition from operational leadership to board service and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in board recruitment. Elaine explains the necessity of effective corporate governance, detailing how independent directors help prevent governance failures. With a focus on ESG, she emphasizes its critical role in risk management and previews her upcoming panel on social license to operate.
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ANECDOTE

From Technical Expert To Board Director

  • Elaine described moving from technical expert to functional and business leadership across Rio Tinto and Newmont.
  • She chose board service to continue contributing by helping management think long-term.
INSIGHT

Board Roles Are Primarily Fiduciary

  • Boards set strategy, select senior leadership, and protect shareholder interests as fiduciaries.
  • Public boards have final say on M&A, dividends, and hiring or firing top executives.
ADVICE

Map Skills And Use Search Firms

  • Start director recruitment by mapping missing skills and seeking diverse candidates to fill gaps.
  • Use search firms to widen the candidate pool and ensure independence from management.
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