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30th Anniversary Conference – Europe
21–23 October 2025
Milan

Italy
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30th Anniversary Conference – Europe
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ICGN is excited to be holding our third 30th Anniversary conference in Milan, hosted by Assogestioni.

Join us for three days of discussions on the hot topics in global corporate governance and stewardship, including a deep dive into the nuances of Italian governance frameworks. In what is shaping up to be a fascinating and challenging year for investors and companies, we will hear from experts from around the world to understand the latest geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, trends in board practices and investor stewardship. Members can also benefit from smaller side events with policy makers, standard setters and audit firms, as well as participating in the ICGN AGM.

Day One: Expand For Details
SessionTuesday 21st October 2025
09:00 - 10:00 Registration
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome from ICGN and Assogestioni

  • Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK
  • Fabio Galli, Director General, Assogestioni, Italy
  • Stefano Caselli, Dean, SDA Bocconi University, Italy
10:15 - 10:30 Opening Keynote Address

  • Federico Freni, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Italy
10:30 - 11:45 Plenary 1: Building Bridges, Building Confidence - Strategies for Company-Investor Engagement to Foster Capital Markets Efficiency
Explore how strategic engagement between companies and investors can strengthen trust and transparency, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of capital markets. This discussion will focus on practical approaches to fostering effective dialogue, aligning expectations, and building stronger relationships.

  • Gabriel Alsina, Global Head of Research, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), USA
  • Pietro Bracco, Partner, AndPartners, Italy
  • Federica Calvetti, ESG Coordinator, Asset Management Division, Eurizon Capital, Hong Kong SAR
  • Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri, Italy
  • Frederik Geertman, CEO, Banca Ifis, Italy
11:45 - 12:00 Keynote Address: Health is Wealth

  • Nerio Alessandri, Founder and President, Technogym, Italy
12:00 - 13:15 Networking Lunch
13:15 - 14:15 Plenary 2: Rewarding Responsible Leadership: Executive Pay Frameworks to Drive Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness
Explore how pay frameworks can be designed to incentivise sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness in an evolving corporate landscape. The discussion will focus on aligning remuneration with responsible leadership, stakeholder expectations, and the drive for resilient corporate performance.

  • Elena Ferrarese, Head of Italian Equity, Amundi, Italy
  • Claudia Kruse, Chief Sustainability & Strategy Officer, APG Asset Management, Netherlands
  • Matteo Laterza, CEO, Unipol, Italy

Moderator: Guido Cutillo, Founder and CEO, Cutillo & Partners, Italy

14:15 - 14:45 Refreshments
14:45 - 15:30 A Conversation with:

  • Matteo Del Fante, CEO, Poste Italiane, Italy
  • Paolo Scaroni, Chair, Enel, Italy

Moderator: Maria Luisa Gota, CEO, Eurizon Capital SGR SpA & Chair, Assogestioni, Italy

15:30 - 16:45 Plenary 3: Corporate Strategy and Institutional Investment Across Italy’s Financial Market: What Future for Sustainability?
Explore the evolving relationship between Italian companies and institutional investors and how collaboration between corporates and investors is driving sustainable value creation in Italy’s capital markets. The discussion will highlight how long-term strategic goals are being aligned with sustainability priorities, examine emerging trends in the Italian market, and consider the growing role of stewardship in shaping sustainable financial practices.

  • Amra Balic, Managing Director and Global Co-Head, BlackRock Investment Stewardship, UK
  • Luca Dal Fabbro, Chair, Iren Grop, Italy
  • Alessandro Foti, CEO, FinecoBank, Italy
  • Marcello Sala, Chair, Nexi, Italy
  • Agostino Scornajenchi, CEO, Snam, Italy
  • Andrea Sironi, Chair, Assicurazioni Generali, Italy

Moderator: Stefano Caselli, Dean, SDA Bocconi University, Italy

16:45 - 16:50 Concluding Remarks

  • Séverine Neervoort, Global Policy Director, ICGN, Italy
17:00 - 18:00 ICGN Annual General Meeting
17:00 - 18:00 Milanese Aperitif
18:00 - 19:30 Rinfresco
18:00 - 18:15 Keynote Speech

  • Pietro Labriola, CEO, TIM, Italy
Day Two: Expand For Details
SessionWednesday 22nd October 2025
08:00 - 09:00 Morning Refreshments
08:15 - 09:00 Early-bird Member Spotlight: SDIAOP [Sustainable Development Investments Asset Owner Platform]

  • Claudia Kruse, Chief Sustainability & Strategy Officer, APG Asset Management, Netherlands
  • James Leaton, Research Director, Sustainable Development Investments Asset Owner Platform (SDI AOP), UK
09:10 - 09:15 Welcome from ICGN

  • Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK
09:15 - 09:30 Keynote Address: The Importance of Engagement in Turbulent Times

  • Mark Babington, Executive Director, Regulatory Standards, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), UK
09:30 - 10:30 Plenary 4: Regional Round Up – What is Happening Around the World in Governance and Stewardship Policy and Regulation?
What is happening, what do we need to know, what do we need to engage with? This session will present recent regulatory and legislative developments across the world and emerging standards which will impact corporate governance and stewardship practices.

  • Bob McCormick, Executive Director, Council of Institutional Investors (CII), USA
  • Sana Miza-Awan, Senior Policy Advisor, UK's Investment Association (The IA), UK
  • Maria Pierdicchi, President, ecoDa, Italy
  • Takuya Shiratori, Head of IRSR Consulting, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Japan

Moderator: Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK

10:30 - 11:00 Refreshments
11:00 - 11:15 Keynote Address: Demographic Shifts and Implications for Investors

  • Professor Francesco Billari, Professor of Demography and Rector of Bocconi University, Italy
11:25 - 12:25 Hosted Breakout Session: Hosted by KPMG
Sustainability Reporting and Assurance under CSRD – Is the Journey Still on Track? Hosted by KPMG
Despite regulatory uncertainty, 74% of companies in KPMG’s 2025 ESG Assurance Maturity Index say their CSRD reporting plans remain unchanged, clear evidence that market momentum is driving action.

KPMG experts will explore what’s working and what’s not, drawing on lessons from Wave one CSRD adopters to highlight efficiencies, maturity challenges, and what boards and investors need to know now. The session will unpack the evolving ESRS and Omnibus proposals, assurance trends, including AI, and the implications of expanded disclosures. KPMG leaders will bring global and technical perspectives to clarify what’s changing, why it matters, and how investors can engage more effectively.

An open Q&A will follow to help shape your next steps.

  • PierMario Barzaghi, Head of ESG at KPMG Italy and European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) Member, Italy
  • Neil Morris, Global Head of ESG Assurance, KPMG International and International Audit and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) Board member, South Africa
11:25 - 12:25 Hosted Breakout Session: Hosted by Pomerantz
Navigating the U.S. Legal Landscape: What’s Next for Boards and Shareholders. Hosted by Pomerantz
This expert briefing will provide an up-to-the-minute overview of legal and regulatory developments shaping corporate governance and shareholder rights in the United States. It will highlight recent decisions, policy shifts, and trends with implications for boards, investors, and company disclosure practices.

  • Jeremy Lieberman, Managing Partner, Pomerantz, USA

Moderator: Dr Daniel Summerfield, Director of ESG and UK Client Services, Pomerantz, UK

12:25 - 13:40 Networking Lunch
12:45 - 13:30 Lunchtime Breakout 1: Meet the Standard Setters – A Discussion with the ISSB

  • Katie Schmitz, Director Outreach, Global Directors, IFRS Foundation, ISSB, USA
  • Nicolaj Sebrell, Director of Investor Relationships, EMEA, IFRS Foundation, ISSB, UK
13:40 - 14:25 Plenary 5: License to Operate: Supply Chain and Stakeholder Governance
Explore how companies can build resilience and trust through responsible supply chain practices. The session will highlight the critical role of transparent stakeholder engagement, risk management, and global sustainability alignment in securing long-term success. Join the discussion to learn how effective governance across complex supply networks is becoming a key driver of competitiveness and investor confidence.

  • Debby Blakey, CEO, Hesta, Australia
  • Fabienne Crisovan, Group Head of Governance, ESG Legal & Corporate Law, Zurich Insurance Group, Switzerland
  • David Frick, Senior Vice President, Corporate Governance, Corporate Legal and Corporate Services, Secretary to the Board of Directors, Nestle, Switzerland

Moderator: Deborah Gilshan, Head of ESG and Stewardship, Europe, AustralianSuper, UK

14:25 - 15:10 Plenary 6: The Boardroom Balancing Act: Optimizing Skills, Diversity, Independence, and Structure
How can boards position themselves most effectively for long-term success? The discussion will explore how to strike the right balance between director expertise, diversity of thought, and robust governance structures to meet rising stakeholder expectations. Join this session to discover practical insights on how boards can strengthen independence while ensuring they remain agile, inclusive, and fit for the future.

  • Antonino Cusimano, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary General, Nexans, France
  • Andrew Gebelin, Investment Stewardship Director, EMEA, Vanguard Asset Management, UK
  • David Herbinet, Global Head of Audit & Assurance, Forvis Mazars Group, UK
  • Dr Kati Najipoor-Smith, Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles International, Germany

Moderator: Karina Litvack, Non-Executive Director, Terna S.p.A., UK

15:10 - 15:30 Refreshments
15:30 - 16:15 Finding the Right Balance: The Role of the Chair: Hosted by Georgeson
Explore how the Chairman plays their pivotal role in ensuring effective corporate governance, promoting strategic vision and constructive dialogue between the board and stakeholders. This interview will address current challenges including upholding transparency, independence, long-term value creation and navigating geopolitical uncertainty.

  • Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo, Chair, Leonardo S.p.a., Italy

Interviewed by: Cas Sydorowitz, CEO, Georgeson, UK

16:15 - 17:10 Plenary 7: Governance & Growth: A Winning Combination for Long-Term Value
Explore how investors expect companies to demonstrate strong governance as a driver of both resilience and performance. Hear examples of how effective governance practices can translate into stronger growth strategies, reduced risk, and improved capital allocation. Gain practical insights into how governance excellence directly supports long-term sustainable value creation.

  • Francesco Beccali, CFO, Terna, Italy
  • Peter Reali, Managing Director, Head of Stewardship & ESG Integration, Responsible Investing, Nuveen, USA
  • Gianfranco Cariola, Internal Audit Director, ENI, Italy

Moderator: Catherine Winner, Global Head of Stewardship, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), USA

17:10 - 17:55 Plenary 8: A New Era for Stewardship – Choice and Customisation
Examine how investors are reshaping stewardship practices to reflect diverse priorities and tailored approaches. The session will highlight how greater choice and customisation in voting, engagement, and stewardship strategies are transforming relationships across the investment chain. Join us to explore the practical implications for asset owners, managers, and companies in delivering accountability and long-term value.

  • Demi Derem, SVP, Investor Communication Solutions International, Broadridge Financial Solutions, UK
  • Manuel Isaza, Director - Investment Stewardship, BlackRock EMEA, UK
  • Kalina Lazarova, Corporate Governance and Voting Lead, Phoenix Group, UK
  • Sarah Relich, Head of Investment Stewardship, EMEA & APAC, Vanguard, USA

Moderator: Valerio Novembre, Research Fellow, Florence School of Banking and Finance, Italy

17:55 - 18:00 Closing Remarks

  • Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK
19:00 - 21:30 Catered Evening Reception at Casa BFF, Viale Lodovico Scarampo, 15, 20148 Milano
Hosted by BFF and Heidrick & Struggles
Coaches will be provided from Bocconi University to Casa BFF
Day Three: Expand For Details
SessionThursday 23rd October 2025
09:15 - 09:20 Welcome Back from ICGN

  • Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK
09:20 - 09:35 Keynote Address
Presenting key insights from the Norges Bank Investment Management 2030 Climate Action Plan, launching in Oslo. This updated strategy builds upon the foundation of NBIM’s first Climate Action Plan, which concludes this year. Ms. Ihenacho will reflect on the progress made to date, highlighting achievements and milestones, and outline the strategic priorities of the new plan.

  • Carine Smith Ihenacho, Chief Governance and Compliance Officer, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), UK
09:35 - 10:20 Plenary 9: The Power of Policy Advocacy: A Stewardship Imperative
Explore why investors are increasingly recognising policy engagement as a critical lever for advancing good governance and sustainable markets. The discussion will highlight how collaborative advocacy, regulatory dialogue, and market-wide initiatives can amplify stewardship impact beyond individual company engagement. Join us to examine practical approaches, challenges, and expectations for investors, managers, and companies in shaping policies that support long-term value creation.

  • David Atkin, CEO, Principles for Responsible Investment, PRI, UK
  • Caroline Escott, Head of Investment Stewardship - Co Head of Sustainable Ownership Railpen, UK
  • Cassandra Lichnock, CEO, California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS), USA

Moderator: Dr. Christoph Wenk Bernasconi, Senior Partner, SWIPRA, Switzerland

10:20 - 10:50 Refreshments
10:50 - 11:35 Plenary 10: Right Time, Right Action: Stewardship Escalation Strategies
How do investors decide when and how to escalate stewardship to drive meaningful change? The session will highlight practical tools from engagement and voting to collaboration and divestment and explore how escalation strategies can be deployed effectively and responsibly. Join us to gain insights into what escalation looks like in practice, and how it supports accountability, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation.

  • Louise Davidson, CEO, Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI), Australia
  • Delaney Greig, Director of Investor Stewardship, University Pension Plan Ontario (UPPO), Canada
  • Joseph Gulino, Managing Partner, DRRT, USA
  • Kimberley Lewis, Head of Active Ownership, Schroders, UK

Moderator: Rob Lewenson, Head of Responsible Investment, Old Mutual, South Africa

11:35 - 12:20 A Geopolitical Risk Conversation
Discuss today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical environment and how it is shaping corporate strategy, risk management, and stewardship expectations. We will be joined by Shawn Maher, EY’s Global Vice Chair for Public Policy. Shawn brings extensive experience at the intersection of government and business. In addition to his current role, he served as managing director and head of US regulatory and government affairs at a large global bank. He also held senior staff positions in the White House, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives. Shawn will share practical insights for boards and investors navigating today’s global landscape.

  • Shawn Maher, Global Vice Chair for Public Policy, Ernst & Young LLP (EY), USA

Moderator: Priti Shokeen, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Investment, TD Asset Management (TDAM), Canada

12:20 - 13:45 Networking Lunch
12:35 - 13:35 ICGN Investor Auditor Dialogue – Milan: Navigating Uncertainty: Risk Assessment and Auditor Approaches to Climate-Related Financial Statement Impacts
ICGN Members Only Session:
Join us for a facilitated member-only Chatham house discussion. This time we will be talking about:

Risk assessment in the current market environment
How auditors are approaching their work on climate related impacts in the financial statements.

This isn’t a panel session – it’s a forum to speak. Hear a short introduction from the audit firms then participate in an interactive discussion where you can ask your questions directly to senior auditors.

13:45 - 14:45 Hosted Breakout Session: Hosted by Snam
European Energy Market Revolution: What does it mean for Boards, Managers and Investors? Hosted by Snam
What does the big picture look like for energy transition across Europe? How should investors think about this as they approach their investments and stewardship activities? What is really happening in the Boardroom? Hear the highlights of Snam’s 2025 Global Gas Report, the view from leadership and the boardroom on how strategy and governance are evolving through the transition and get the investor perspective on stewardship priorities for European energy companies.

  • Michael Herskovich, Chair of ICGN & Global Head of Stewardship, BNP Paribas, France
  • Luca Passa, CFO, Snam, Italy
  • Agostino Scornajenchi, CEO, Snam, Italy

Moderator: Jen Sisson, CEO, ICGN, UK

14:40 - 15:45 Plenary 11: Investing in Innovation: How Venture Capital and Private Equity Drive Governance, Strategy and Stewardship for Empowering Companies and Startups
Examining the role of investors in shaping the governance of growth companies and startups this session will highlight how governance practices, strategic direction, and stewardship expectations are influenced by venture capital and private equity involvement. Join us to explore how these investors can empower innovation while building resilient, well-governed businesses for the future.

  • Anne-Marie Jourdan, Caisse des dépôts et consignations, France
  • Stefano Pierini, Finance and Investor Relations Director & CEO of Fercredit, Italy
  • Alessandro Scortecci, Head of Direct Investments, CDP Venture Capital, Italy
  • Giuseppe Sica, CFO, BFF Bank, Italy
  • Hani Zogheib, Senior Managing Director – EMEA Head of Private Equity, Macquarie Asset Management, UK

Moderator: Séverine Neervoort, Global Policy Director, ICGN, Italy

15:45 - 16:00 Closing Remarks and Close of Conference

  • Michael Herskovich, Chair of ICGN & Global Head of Stewardship, BNP Paribas, France
Nerio Alessandri
Technogym
Italy
Gabriel Alsina
ISS Governance
United States
David Atkin
Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI)
United Kingdom
Mark Babington
Financial Reporting Council
United Kingdom
Amra Balic
BlackRock Investment Stewardship
United Kingdom
PierMarco Barzaghi
KPMG in Italy
Italy
Francesco Beccali
Terna Group
Italy
Francesco Billari
Rector of Bocconi University
Italy
Debby Blakey
HESTA
Australia
Pietro Bracco
AndPartners Tax and Law Firm
Federica Calvetti
Eurizon
Hong Kong
Gianfranco Cariola
Eni
Italy
Stefano Caselli
SDA Bocconi University
Italy
Fabienne Crisovan
Zurich Insurance Group
Switzerland
Antonio Cusimano
Nexans
France
Guido Cutillo
Cutillo & Partners
Italy
Luca Dal Frabbo
Iren Group
Italy
Louise Davidson
Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ASCI)
Australia
Matteo Del Fante
Poste Italiano
Italy
Demi Derem
Broadridge Financial Solutions
United Kingdom
Caroline Escott
Railpen
United Kingdom
Elena Ferrarese
Amunid SGR
Italy
Pierroberto Folgiero
Fincantieri Group
Italy
Alessandro Foti
FinecoBank
Italy
Federico Freni
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Italy
David Frick
Nestlé
Switzerland
Fabio Galli
Assogestioni
Italy
Andrew Gebelin
Vanguard Asset Management
United Kingdom
Frederik Geertman
Banca Ifis
Italy
Deborah Gilshan
AustralianSuper
United Kingdom
Maria Luisa Gota
Eurizon Capital SGR
Italy
Delaney Greig
University Pension Plan
Canada
Joseph Gulino
DRRT
United States
David Herbinet
Forvis Mazars Group
United Kingdom
Michael Herskovich
BNP Paribas Asset Management
France
Manuel Isaza
BlackRock EMEA
United Kingdom
Anne-Marie Jourdan
Caisse des Depots
Claudia Kruse
APG AM
Netherlands
Pietro Labriola
TIM
Italy
Maria Larsson Ortino
Legal & General
United Kingdom
Matteo Laterza
Unipol S.p.A
Italy
Kalina Lazarova
Standard Life plc
United Kingdom
James Leaton
SDI AOP
United Kingdom
Robert Lewenson
Old Mutual Investment Group
South Africa
Kimberley Lewis
Schroders
United Kingdom
Cassandra Lichnock
California State Teachers' Retirement System
United States
Jeremy A. Lieberman
Pomerantz
United States
Karina Litvack
Terna S.p.A
Italy
Shawn Maher
Ernst & Young LLP
United States
Robert McCormick
Council of Institutional Investors
United States
Massimo Menchini
Assogestioni
Italy
Sana Mirza-Awan
The Investment Association
United Kingdom
Neil Morris
KPMG International IAASB Board Member
South Africa
Kati Najipoor-Smith
Heidrick & Struggles International
Germany
Séverine Neervoort
ICGN
Italy
Valerio Novembre
Florence School of Banking and Finance
France
Luca Passa
Snam
Italy
Maria Pierdicchi
ecoDa
Italy
Stefano Pierini
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A.
Italy
Stefano Pontecorvo
Leonardo S.p.a
Italy
Peter Reali
Broadridge Financial Solutions
United States
Sarah Relich
Vanguard Asset Management
United States
Marcello Sala
Nexi Group
Italy
Paolo Scaroni
Enel
Italy
Katie Schmitz
IFRS Foundation (ISSB)
United States
Agostino Scornjenchi
Snam
Italy
Nicolaj Sebrell
IFRS Foundation (ISSB)
United Kingdom
Takuya Shiratori
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
Japan
Priti Shokeen
TD Asset Management
Canada
Guiseppe Sica
BFF Banking Group
Italy
Andrea Sironi
Assicurazioni Generali
Italy
Jen Sisson
ICGN
United Kingdom
Carine Smith Ihenacho
Norges Bank Investment Management
United Kingdom
Daniel Summerfield
Pomerantz LLP
United Kingdom
Cas Sydorowitz
Georgeson
United Kingdom
Christoph Wenk Bernasconi
SWIPRA Services AG
Switzerland
Catherine Winner
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
United States
Hani Zogheib
Macquarie Asset Management
United Kingdom

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