Gunster attorney Bob Lamm has spent a lifetime working in the realm of corporate governance, and offers his thoughts on future trends facing boards, directors, executives and others in public, private and nonprofit entities. 
For example, many boards are facing increased pressure by investors, regulatory agencies, employees, and even the general public – especially when things go wrong. Recent examples that come to mind include:
- Target: In the wake of its data breach, a proxy advisory firm recommended a vote against the store’s risk committee members in an effort to hold them responsible for the fiasco.
- JPMorgan Chase: Two directors were hounded off the board after the “London Whale” scandal came to light.
- FedEx: The company’s board was recently hit with a lawsuit over allegations of the transport of drugs.
- Market Basket: After a nearly two-month employee walkout, supported by a customer boycott, the board just announced a deal to reinstate the chief it had fired as a result family infighting.
Corporate governance is complicated. It involves balancing the varied interests of shareholders, investors, customers, regulatory entities and the community at large. Find out more about what’s in store: The shape of things to come in corporate governance (Bob Lamm, The Securities Edge blog, 8/27/14). Image courtesy of KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
