Curated Just for You!

At the heart of our efforts this year has been our strong focus on three transformative pillars of corporate governance that are rapidly redefining the future of boardroom leadership:

• Innovation and Technology
• Climate Governance
• Diversity and Inclusion.

Guided by these pillars, we have focused on delivering impactful initiatives aligned with the evolving needs of the business environment. We have engaged with our Members and stakeholders on these critical topics, launched transformative platforms, and enhanced our thought leadership. These efforts have equipped directors and business leaders with the insights and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape, setting the stage for a stronger and more resilient corporate governance practices:

• The 3^rd edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference organised with the support of our esteemed Founder MCB Group and Patron Evaco Group. This landmark annual gathering challenged conventional thinking and inspired fresh perspectives on corporate governance and leadership.

• The AI Summit 2024, organised with the collaboration of our esteemed Patron Rogers Capital, dived into how emerging AI technologies can reshape corporate governance and drive agile decision-making.

• Beyond Business as Usual: The Climate Roundtable, organised by the Climate Governance Initiative Mauritius, an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD in collaboration with our esteemed Founder HSBC Mauritius, and with the support of the British High Commission in Mauritius and the UK's Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance. This collaboration is not only influencing a forthcoming a CGI-certified training course for directors and a sector-wise toolkit, but also elevating climate governance as a central agenda item for directors.

• The Women Leadership Academy has successfully completed its 13^th cohort in Mauritius and its 2^nd cohort in Kenya, extending our commitment to fostering empowered women leaders who will shape more inclusive, innovative and resilient boardrooms in the region.

• The Survey on Directors’ Fees and Board Composition in Mauritius, in collaboration with Korn Ferry provides actionable insights offering a clearer focus for more informed, balanced, and strategic board practices and conversations.

• Launch of two key thought leadership publications:

• The Audit Committee Forum, an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD in collaboration with KPMG Mauritius, launched its Position Paper 11 on "Effective Audit Conversations".

• The Directors Forum, an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD in collaboration with PwC Mauritius, launched its Publication No. 9 on "Towards a Global Sustainability Reporting Framework: The role of IFRS S1 and S2 standards and their impact on Directors".

• A comprehensive examination of the “Risk/Intelligence Culture: Illusion or Reality?”, organised by the Risk Governance Forum, an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD in collaboration with EY Mauritius.

• The Director Development Programme Convocation Ceremony organised alongside the Open University of Mauritius, where we celebrated the journeys of those advancing their corporate governance expertise.

• The launch of WE-CONNECT, a members-only platform, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening the bonds within our dynamic community.

In addition to these, our online networking sessions have also provided our members with new opportunities to engage and exchange ideas in real-time, further reinforcing our mission to create a dynamic and interconnected community of business leaders and professionals.

Each of these achievements is a reflection of your commitment—your willingness to engage meaningfully and shape a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready governance environment. Throughout these months, our initiatives have not only empowered directors and leaders but also garnered ongoing media attention, showcasing the relevancy of our work and its tangible impact on the corporate landscape.

As we step into 2025, I am filled with optimism. We will continue exploring new frontiers, addressing emerging challenges, and amplifying our collective voice. Your active involvement, curiosity, and dedication will ensure that the MIoD remains your trusted partner in professional growth, networking, and responsible leadership.

As we enter this festive season, I wish you and your loved ones moments of joy, reflection, and renewed purpose. Let’s embrace the coming year confident in our shared vision, proud of our past achievements, and ready to write the next chapter of corporate governance excellence together.

Warm Regards,

Sheila Ujoodha

CEO, Mauritius Institute of Directors

3^rd edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Business Landscape with Governance Excellence

On 17 October 2024, the MIoD organised the 3^rd edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference at the Caudan Arts Centre, with the support of its esteemed Founder MCB Group and Patron Evaco Group. This year’s theme, “Pioneering Tomorrow’s Business Landscape with Governance Excellence,” captured both the urgency and the promise of today’s evolving corporate environment. As businesses face shifting market dynamics, emerging regulatory expectations, and mounting stakeholder scrutiny, corporate governance leaders have a pivotal role to play in steering their organisations toward resilience and sustainable growth.

This annual flagship conference served as a timely platform for decision-makers and directors to re-evaluate the traditional playbook of corporate governance. Discussions went beyond surface-level insights, delving into the underlying trends shaping tomorrow’s boardrooms. From recalibrating board composition and nurturing truly diverse leadership teams, to embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) imperatives and anticipating the complexities of family-owned enterprises, the event was about embracing corporate governance as a strategic, forward-looking discipline. Rather than reacting to change, boards must now anticipate and influence it, driving innovation, trust, and long-term value in the process.

A distinguished panel of industry leaders added depth and practical perspective to these conversations. Jean Michel Ng Tseung (Chief Executive at MCB Group), Karen Angus (CEO at Evaco Group), Amedee Darga (Managing Director at Straconsult ABDS), and Iqbal Oozeer (Managing Director at Currimjee Jeewanjee & Co Ltd) brought together a wealth of experience cutting across sectors and governance models. Under the moderation of Afsar Ebrahim (Founding Partner at Kick Advisory Services), they guided the audience through the current challenges boards face, while charting a path for how directors can better equip themselves for the future future. Their collective insights reinforced the notion that effective governance is not a static set of rules, but a dynamic, evolving framework that aligns organisational purpose with stakeholder expectations and societal needs.

Beyond the panel discussions, the event highlighted the importance of continuous learning, adaptive thinking, and collaborative dialogue among those tasked with shaping corporate strategy. It underscored the fact that corporate governance excellence isn’t merely about compliance; it is about cultivating the vision, agility, and ethical grounding that enable businesses to thrive in a world of complexity and change.

AI Summit 2024: Embracing the AI Revolution

On 19 September 2024, we collaborated with our esteemed Patron Rogers Capital, on the AI Summit 2024 on the theme “Are You Ready for the AI Revolution?” at the Hennessy Park Hotel. This event brought together top innovators, industry experts, and directors to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape—and how leaders can harness it to stay ahead.

From practical applications to strategic advantages in decision-making and market expansion, the Summit demonstrated that AI is no longer just a buzzword. Speakers like Sandeep Mohapatra (Director of Digital Transformation & Technology at Absa Mauritius), Gauri Nayak (Director, Technology & Transformation at Deloitte Mauritius), Ryan Allas (Managing Director at Rogers Capital Tax Services) and Amit Kooyela (Group CFO & Director at HV Holdings Ltd) not only highlighted how organisations can move beyond AI hype to drive real, measurable impact while also sharing practical insights on its implementation.

As AI becomes central to growth and competitiveness, understanding its potential—and the responsibilities that come with it—is crucial. The AI Summit 2024 served as a powerful platform for sharing insights, sparking dialogue, and inspiring leaders to embrace innovation, ensure ethical oversight, and confidently step into the era of intelligent digital transformation.

Beyond Business as Usual: The Climate Roundtable – A Milestone for Climate Governance in Mauritius

Women Leadership Academy: Strengthening an Inclusive Leadership Landscape Across Africa

Building on the momentum of previous cohorts, the Women Leadership Academy (WLA), an initiative of the Women Directors Forum, an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD, run in collaboration with Dale Carnegie Mauritius, continues to shape the future of leadership excellence on the continent. With the successful completion of the 13th cohort in Mauritius and the 2nd cohort in Kenya in collaboration with Dale Carnegie Kenya, the WLA’s influence is steadily expanding, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for dynamic and inclusive leadership cultures across Africa.

Each cohort offers participants immersive learning experiences focused on personal leadership style, strategic thinking, and impactful communication. The WLA encourages aspiring women leaders to step into their power, challenge assumptions, embrace new perspectives, and acquire the confidence required to navigate complex business landscapes. As graduates emerge from the WLA, they bring forward not only enhanced skillsets but also a renewed sense of purpose, ready to contribute meaningfully to their organisations and communities.

From Mauritius to Kenya, the WLA’s regional presence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, resilience, and forward-looking leadership. By nurturing a generation of empowered women leaders, we are collectively laying the foundation for a more vibrant, innovative, and inclusive future across the region.

Directors’ Fees and Board Composition 2024: Exploring Mauritius’s Corporate Governance Landscape

The MIoD collaborated with Korn Ferry in July 2024, on a milestone event spotlighting the evolving trends of board composition and directors’ remuneration in Mauritius. Centered on insights from the 2024 Survey on Directors’ Fees and Board Composition in Mauritius, the session delivered a data-driven look at how local board practices compare with global corporate governance trends.

The findings, presented by Caroline Piat (Associated Consultant at Korn Ferry), provided a valuable benchmark against which participants could measure their own organisations’ board structures, compensation strategies, and director profiles. The survey’s conclusions underscored the importance of remaining agile and informed, particularly as boards strive to attract the right mix of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives to navigate new challenges.



A fireside chat was the highlight of the event, featuring leaders versed in the nuances of the Mauritian corporate environment:

• Arvind Hari (Chairperson of Standard Bank Mauritius)
• Madhavi Ramdin-Clark (Head of ACCA Mauritius and New Markets)
• Ramanuj Nathoo (Group Company Secretary at Currimjee Jeewanjee & Co Ltd)

Moderated by Sheila Ujoodha, the panel delved into how boards can adapt their composition and compensation strategies to improve quality, bolster shareholder confidence, and strengthen long-term performance. Issues ranged from ensuring appropriate director skill sets and sector knowledge, to rethinking compensation structures that attract top talent while maintaining transparency and fairness.

By drawing on original research and industry expertise, the Directors’ Fees and Board Composition 2024 event equipped leaders with actionable insights. These discussions reinforced the notion that effective corporate governance is not only about meeting current standards, but also anticipating future requirements and elevating board effectiveness to drive sustainable success.

Looking ahead, the MIoD remains committed to providing timely, relevant data and thought leadership. By leveraging these insights, businesses can refine their corporate governance frameworks and ensure that their boards are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of both the marketplace and the communities they serve.

Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI) Updates

As a proud member of the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI)—an international coalition of 24 director institutes representing over 150,000 governance professionals worldwide —the MIoD remains committed to advancing the global conversation on corporate governance. By contributing to GNDI’s initiatives, the MIoD gains valuable insights into international best practices for the highest corporate governance standards.

Convergence in Turkey: A Global Meeting of Minds

Mauritian Voices at the Global Corporate Governance Conference

Over a 24-hour period, participants around the world had the opportunity to dive into topics shaping the future of corporate oversight, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, climate governance, and the changing role of leadership. These contributions help ensure that MIoD members remain at the forefront of global governance discourse.

Bringing Global Insights Home

Our active participation in the GNDI does not only help us interact with a global network of peers, but also to continually enhance our range of initiatives and resources with the aim of solidifying Mauritius’s place in the global corporate governance arena.

These international connections enable us to equip our Members with the knowledge, networks, and guidance needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global business world.

Launch of the Audit Committee Forum Position Paper 11: Effective Audit Committee Conversations

The Audit Committee Forum (ACF), an Advocacy Forum of the MIoD in collaboration with KPMG Mauritius, introduced its Position Paper 11 in September 2024, titled Effective Audit Committee Conversations. This new resource provides practical guidance and insights to help audit committees foster more impactful discussions and enhance their oversight functions for fostering stronger corporate governance practices.

The launch event brought together a diverse group of directors, audit committee members, and governance professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the paper’s key takeaways and hear from seasoned experts about the evolving role of audit committees in today’s dynamic business environment.

This new publication is part of the ACF’s ongoing commitment to supporting directors in upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. By encouraging more substantive and strategic dialogue, the ACF aims to empower audit committees to not only meet their responsibilities but also drive better outcomes for the organisations they serve.

Launch of the Directors Forum Publication No. 9: Towards a Global Sustainability Reporting Framework: The Role of ISSB’s S1 and S2 Standards and Their Impact on Directors

Risk Governance Forum: Risk – Intelligence Culture: Illusion or Reality?

Launch of WE-CONNECT: Elevating Your Professional Network

In August 2024, we opened the doors to a new era of professional interaction at the MIoD with the Launch of WE-CONNECT, a member-exclusive networking platform. Designed to unite our dynamic community of Members from diverse sectors, WE-CONNECT is where informed dialogue, meaningful relationships, and collaborative opportunities come together to drive professional growth.

At the inaugural event, our Members converged to exchange insights, create new connections, and discover fresh perspectives. As part of our unwavering commitment to supporting the professional journey of our Members, WE-CONNECT represents a promise—one of ongoing engagement, resourceful connections, and strategic development.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter in our collective mission to shape Mauritius’s corporate governance and leadership landscape. Stay tuned for upcoming WE-CONNECT events!

Roundtable discussion with HR professionals on the importance of organisational culture.

The MIoD collaborated with its esteemed Founder HSBC Mauritius on a roundtable discussion with HR professionals focused on the Importance of Organisational Culture. The conversation centered on understanding culture as more than just written values or workplace perks. Instead, it was described as the invisible thread that shapes interactions, decisions, and behaviours within a company—defining how teams operate, respond to challenges, and support one another.

The session highlighted that culture is about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Building a strong culture does not happen by chance; it requires intentional effort, grounded in trust, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose.

The roundtable was animated by Tamara Gurajena (Head of HR International Markets and Regional Head of HR Consultancy, Asia-Pac at HSBC), who engaged participants in reflecting on how organisations can actively foster a positive and resilient culture.

Director Development Programme Convocation Ceremony: Celebrating A Milestone Achievement in Corporate Governance Excellence and Future-Ready Leadership

The inaugural convocation ceremony of the Director Development Programme (DDP), by the MIoD in collaboration with the Open University of Mauritius, marked an important milestone in building a stronger culture of responsible leadership and sound corporate governance.

Graduates and Chartered Directors were honoured for their dedication to mastering the evolving dimensions of governance, compliance, and strategic oversight. Their achievements underscore the DDP’s mission: to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to guide organisations with integrity, adaptability, and a forward-looking mindset.

As the DDP continues to foster strong, ethical leadership, its graduates stand ready to influence boardroom decisions positively, promoting resilience, innovation, and long-term success. The DDP experience serves not only as a testament to their individual accomplishments but also as a commitment to elevating corporate governance standards across the business community.

Future-Ready Data Protection: Trends, Tools, and Techniques

21 January 2025

Take the lead in data privacy and governance in our upcoming workshop on the occasion of the Data Privacy Day 2025.

WE-CONNECT

2nd edition | Empowering Connections

23 January 2025

Networking event exclusive for MIoD Members to connect, engage, and grow their professional networks.

Membership Spotlight 

Kudos to Francoise, Ruben and Leena for their high engagement in our various initiatives during H2 2024, namely our advocacy and networking events as well as key workshops. The active involvement of our spotlighted members showcases their dedication to leadership and corporate governance excellence in their respective fields.

Francoise Ip Wan Shek



Francoise is an Independent Non- Executive Director appointed to the Board of Terra Mauricia Ltd in September 2023.

She is a fellow member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants since October 1986.

Francoise has 40 years of service in the Ciel Textile Group and moved across the knitwear and knits cluster as accountant to Financial Controller and Head of Finance (1979-2018). She then worked as a part-time consultant to train and coach in management accounting field (2019-2022) whilst also sharing her skills with Non-Governmental Organisations engaged in social work.

Ruben Mooneesawmy

Ruben is a fellow of the ACCA fellow with 20+ years of experience in assurance, corporate finance, restructuring work, and M&A. He is the founder and CEO of Axcel Insights, a corporate finance advisory firm regulated by the FSC and, Numeris, a Valuation and Business Intelligence firm specialising in financial modelling and valuation services focusing on high impact projects/transactions in Africa. Through these ventures and with the support of his pan-African team, Ruben is championing investments in clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting projects aimed at advancing sustainable development on the continent.

Leena Aworer

Leena is the Certification Manager, Senior Lead Auditor & Trainer at SGS Mauritius, with 20 years of professional experience in the food, sustainability, quality and hospitality sector. She is an approved Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) trainer, IRCA lead auditor and certified lead instructor for FSPCA Preventive Controls for Food (FDA-FSMA) in the Indian Ocean. Leena holds a master’s degree in environmental science with specialisation in Environmental Management and also, an MBA International Paris, from IAE Paris, University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne. Leena previously worked in the Ministry of Agro-industry and Fisheries, and Environment including different parastatal bodies.  

Honouring the Legacy of Pierre Dinan

As we chart the course ahead, Pierre’s influence remains evident. His legacy lives on in the directors and leaders who now embrace a forward-looking perspective, guided by the values he helped instill. For all of us who have benefited from his stewardship, Pierre Dinan’s name is woven into the very fabric of the MIoD. We continue to draw inspiration from his contributions, honouring the path he set and striving to uphold the excellence he exemplified.

Our New Members: H2 2024

Abdul-Latif Issahaku

Adarsh Nardeosingh

Adil Jeeawoody

Anabelle samouilhan

Anju Ramkhalawon

Annielle d'Autriche

Azita Fatima Hussain

Baby Anjili Devi Ramasawmy

Bashig Abdus Samad Osman Beejaye Ramchurn

Bhawna Ramdyah

Billy Li Hing Duen 

Cedric Poonisami

Cédrik Marie-Joseph Bertrand Le Juge

De Segrais

Charansingh Ashish Shibloll  

Dabeesing Chetanandsingh

Christophe Theodorine 

David Bamlango 

Desigan Ponnan Dharanee Moothoosamy

Divesh Kumar Seetul

Djaved Fareed

Farhanaaz Jhumka

Fayaz Hajee Abdoula 

Frans Marx

Hans-Khemraj Bhowaneedin

Harris Neeliah

Hemrish Aubeelack

Hisham Peerun

Jean Christian Louis

Jean Michel Benoit Bignoux-Martineau Jean-François Paumelle 

Jessica Fitzgerald

Karunanidi Teeroovengadum Sornum  Ketanrao Ramadoo

Kevin Soon Fat Se Hin Son

Krishnen Mootoocurpen

Lakshmi Devi Ramiad

Laura Yeung Sik Yuen

Laurena Erriah 

Lindsey Domingo Lutchoomansingh Narain

M Ashraf Ali G Deenmahomed Madvi Jeebun

Mahetab Patel

Manjoola Biltoo Chadee

Mannish Ajodah 

Margaret Soi

Marie Vanessa Agathe

Mayur Jokhun

Mercy Dorcus Ramateke

Moammar Reyaz Tegally

Mohammad Iqbal Oozeer

Muhammad Riyad Issack Najlaa Mowlaboccus Narainduth Ramchurn

Neecharl Ramprosand 

Parvez Bholah

Patrice Jerome Lagesse 

Pawan Rai Seenarain 

Philippe de Beer

Pradeep Rawa

Pradeep Malik

Prashant Gokool

Priva Vyapooree 

Rajeshwaree Sookaloo

Raphael Nicolas

Emmanuel Beaudrey

Rebecca Louis-Ellis

Ricken Roy Dhurbarrylall

Rooma Pillay Narrainen Roshni Ramnochane

Rouksaar Buctowar Ramjeet Rudy Tannoo

Sehezad Ghaboos

Shah Peerally

Shalini Amnee Neeliah

Shameem Mahmood Muslun Sharine Boodoo

Sherveen Ramhith

Stephane Lee Mew Fong

Suraj Juddoo

Susanna Dalais

Tanya Marrier d'Unienville Uddhav Gokool

Valérie Bisasur

Varun Gupta

Veemarlen Poinoosawmy Veganaden Mottay

Veronique Bazerque Bacha

Vishal Ramiah

Vishal Oogarah

Yashin Jawaheer

Welcome to all our New Members. We look forward to engaging with you across our breakfast forums, workshops, webinars and other initiatives. At the MIoD, we remain committed to empowering all our Members in their pursuit of Leadership Excellence.

Strengthening Leadership: Updates to Our Board Structure

At the MIoD, our unwavering commitment to corporate governance excellence drives us to continually refine and strengthen our leadership framework. As we embrace 2025, we are pleased to share the notable updates to our Board structure:

• Chairperson: Dev Harish Hurkoo
• Vice Chairperson: Shalini Jugessur 
• Vice Chairperson: Shashi Kumar (Roshan) Koonja

• Chair of the Nomination & Membership Committee: Anuradha (Vimi) Appadoo
• Chair of the Education Committee: Sarawon Shashi Puddoo
• Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee: Stéphane Langlois

At the MIoD, our forward-thinking approach remains steadfast. These updates signify not just a continuation of strong leadership but also an evolution that positions us to better serve our Members and Key Stakeholders. With this renewed structure, we are confident in our ability to enhance our agility, responsiveness, and impact, navigating the complexities of today while seizing the opportunities of tomorrow.

As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to fostering unparalleled corporate governance standards, charting a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and innovation. Together, let us continue to elevate the MIoD as a beacon of leadership and corporate governance excellence.

For further insights or inquiries, feel free to contact us at (+230) 468 1015 or info@miod.mu.

Please note that the MIoD office will be closed from 24 December 2024 to 3 January 2025. Our last working day will be Monday, 23 December 2024, and we will resume operations on Monday, 6 January 2025.