Subsidiary Governance Conference 2025

Overview

This year's Subsidiary Governance Conference is back to explore the evolving landscape currently impacting parent and subsidiary companies. By investigating a range of geopolitical, economic, legal and regulatory issues, this event aims to better equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate these complex governance challenges.

The conference will be held in person at Bankside Hotel, 2 Blackfriars Rd, Upper Ground, London, SE1 9JU on Tuesday 16 September 2025, with a comprehensive programme of keynote presentations, insightful panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

Standard Tickets (ex. VAT)

Non-Member £400.00
Subscriber £329.00
Member £289.00
Student £175.00

Payment is due at the time of booking

For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741

Key Details

From £175 + VAT

Bankside Hotel, London, SE1 9JU

Tuesday 16 September 2025

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

CPD: 6 hours

Book now

Programme

Subsidiary Governance Conference - Tuesday 16 September 2025

08.30 - Conference opens, registration and tea/coffee

9.30 - Keynote Address

Derek Leatherdale, Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser, Sibylline

09:50 - AI and Subsidiary Governance: Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator: Richard Young, Editor, CGIUKI

Speakers:
• Dan Krijgsman, Product Lead, Entity Governance, Computershare

Sponsored by

10:30 - Balancing Act: Outsourcing vs In-House Staff in Subsidiary Governance

In the dynamic world of subsidiary governance, choosing between outsourcing and in-house staff is a critical decision that can impact efficiency, compliance, and overall success.

This panel session will explore the pros and cons of both approaches, examining how different jurisdictions, cultural nuances, and reporting requirements influence this choice. Our panel of experts will share their experiences and insights, providing practical advice on how to strike the right balance. Join us to uncover strategies for optimising subsidiary governance through effective staffing decisions.

Moderator: Marcus Dowding FCG, Company Secretary and Solicitor, GSK

Speaker:

Hina Patel FCG, Assistant Company Secretary, J.P. Morgan

11:10 - Refreshments and networking

11:40 - Integrating ESG into Subsidiary Governance

As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly critical, integrating these principles into subsidiary governance is essential for sustainable success.

This panel session will explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of embedding ESG into subsidiary operations. Our expert panellists will discuss strategies for managing ESG risks, optimizing supply chains, and incorporating corporate social responsibility initiatives at the subsidiary level. Join us to gain insights into best practices, real-world examples, and innovative approaches to ensure that subsidiaries not only comply with ESG standards but also contribute positively to their communities and the environment.

Josh Domb, Founder, Gen-R Law
David Finlay, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Gemfields Group
Toby Hewitt FCG , Group Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, and Company Secretary, Gemfields Group

12:25 - Regulatory update from The Chartered Governance Institute

Peter Swabey FCG, Policy and Research Director, CGIUKI

12:50 - Networking lunch

13:50 - A choice of breakout sessions:

1) Simplifying Group Structures

Join us in this panel to discuss how you can simplify group structures and navigate the elimination of dormant subsidiaries. This session will also explore the reasons for elimination/retaining, including the challenges faced when doing so.

Somya Rastogi ACG, Manager, Corporate Secretary & Governance, Europe, Realty Income
Kate Rosie, Regional Leader, Teneo
Anne Steele, Company Secretary, Canary Wharf Group

Sponsored by

2) The Human Factor: Managing Cultural and Operational Risks in Global Subsidiaries

In today's interconnected global business landscape, managing subsidiaries across diverse cultural and geographical boundaries presents unique challenges and risks. This panel discussion will delve into the critical human aspects of risk management in global subsidiary operations.

Our panellists will share insights, experiences, and best practices for navigating cross-cultural communication, fostering effective leadership in diverse environments, and building cohesive teams across borders. The discussion will focus on strategies to mitigate operational risks stemming from cultural differences, communication gaps, and human resource management in a global context.

Sponsored by

14:30 - Movement Break

14:35 - A choice of breakout sessions:

1) Curating, Managing and Communicating Data for Subsidiary Governance

Effective subsidiary governance hinges on the ability to manage and communicate data seamlessly at the board level. This panel discussion will delve into the intricacies of curating and managing data to inform board agendas and drive strategic decisions. Our expert panelists will explore best practices for data management, the importance of clear communication, and the role of technology in enhancing governance processes. Join us to gain insights into how data can be transformed into actionable intelligence, ensuring that board agendas are both comprehensive and impactful.

Andrea Davidson FCG, Head of EMEA Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial, Invesco
Hilary Staples FCG, Company Secretary and Head of Governance, Standard Life Aberdeen plc

2) Implementing effective subsidiary framework

This workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge to implement an effective subsidiary governance framework. This workshop will cover key aspects explored earlier in the day such as regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic alignment. Through expert-led discussions, you'll learn best practices on how to turn this knowledge in to practical, robust governance structure that supports your organisation's overall objectives.

Sponsored by

15:15 - Refreshments and networking

15:45 - Effective governance of difficult subsidiaries: Navigating jurisdictions, cultural clashes, and reporting challenges

In today's globalised business environment, managing subsidiaries across diverse jurisdictions presents unique challenges. This panel discussion will delve into the complexities of effective governance for difficult subsidiaries, focusing on the interplay between legal frameworks, cultural differences, and reporting requirements. Our expert panelists will share insights and strategies for overcoming these hurdles, ensuring seamless operations and compliance. Join us to explore best practices, real-world case studies, and innovative solutions for mastering subsidiary governance in a multifaceted landscape.

Derek Leatherdale, Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser, Sibylline

16:30 - Closing remarks

16:35 - Drinks Reception

Speakers

Head of UK Corporate Governance and Sec Services, Invesco

Andrea Davidson

As Head of EMEA Corporate Governance and Company Secretarial, Andrea is responsible for management of the teams providing governance and secretariat services to Invesco’s investment trust business and UK, Irish and Continental European regulated entities and related funds. Prior to joining Invesco, Andrea was responsible for management of the governance obligations of Wellington Management International’s EU fund business which was preceded by seven years at Schroders in the Asset Management Corporate Secretariat function, (covering Luxembourg entities, UK listed investment trusts and real estate); preceded by Fund Company Secretary at Gartmore Investment Management. She began her career at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (now Blackrock) in Product Administration. Andrea holds a LLB (Hons) in Law with French Law from University College London and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law, London. She is a Chartered Governance Professional and a Fellow of The Chartered Governance Institute. Andrea is a speaker and faculty member with the Future Leaders Group.

Founder, Gen-R Lw

Josh Domb

Joshua Domb is the Founder and Managing Partner of Gen-R Law. He leads the firm’s ESG, Compliance and Investigations practice. Joshua trained and qualified as a White Collar Crime lawyer at DLA Piper. He joined Paul Hastings as an associate, before moving to McDermott Will & Emery as a senior associate. Prior to setting up Gen-R Law, Joshua spent a year travelling with his wife. He used that time to read extensively about climate change, ESG, biodiversity, sustainability and the supporting domestic and international legal and regulatory frameworks, building on a long-standing interest in these topics. Since opening Gen-R Law in March 2024, Joshua has been advising clients on a range of topics in the ESG space, with a particular focus on the integration of ESG into business operations, ESG and climate literacy training, greenwashing and sustainability reporting.

Company Secretary and Solicitor, GSK

Marcus Dowding FCG

Marcus Dowding is an FCG qualified governance professional and Solicitor with over 25 years’ experience, currently within GSK plc’s Corporate Secretariat team. Previously, Marcus has held senior legal and company secretary roles at leading corporate insurance broker and advisory firm Willis Towers Watson; top-ten FTSE 100 mining company, Rio Tinto; City law firm Linklaters; the Crown Prosecution Service; and, for six months, at a small legal practice in the Falkland Islands. In 2019 having been in corporate secretarial roles for the previous five years, Marcus took a year away from corporate work to undertake an MSc in Corporate Governance and qualify as a Chartered Secretary. In his current role at leading pharmaceutical company GSK plc, Marcus is part of the management of the Company Secretariat function and leads the Global Subsidiary Operations team of twelve staff in the UK and US, overseeing the Group’s 350 subsidiary entities. He is also secretary of ViiV Healthcare Limited, one of the world’s leading providers of HIV medicines, and involved in elements of the listed company’s governance, including as secretary of its Disclosure Committee.

Group Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, and Company Secretary, Gemfields

Toby Hewitt FCG

By background, Toby is a corporate lawyer of more than 23 years’ standing, working in senior international private practice and in-house legal roles in the resources and energy sectors. A geologist by first degree, his remit includes listed corporate administration and governance, government and key stakeholder relations, strategy, communications, cross-border M&A, joint ventures, project development, equity capital markets and debt financing, compliance and corporate responsibility and dispute resolution. Toby is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.

Product Lead, Entity Governance, Computershare

Dan Krijgsman

Bio to follow

Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser, Sibylline Ltd

Derek Leatherdale

Derek Leatherdale is Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser at Sibylline Ltd, a leading provider of geopolitical and macro risk intelligence and information to corporate clients globally. Prior to this, Derek founded GRI Strategies Ltd, leading pioneering work with companies across industry sectors to improve internal approaches to corporate governance and management of geopolitical risk exposures. Before setting up GRI, Derek founded HSBC’s group geopolitical risk function, the first of its kind in the financial sector. This involved integrating expert geopolitical risk input into the group’s governance, strategy and risk management activity across a global portfolio of banking operations - covering investment and corporate banking, markets and asset management businesses, trade finance and other banking services.

Manager, Corporate Secretary & Governance, Europe, Realty Income

Somya Rastogi ACG

Somya Rastogi is a dual-qualified Associate Chartered Governance Professional (UK & India) with over 13 years of international experience spanning real estate, law practice, infrastructure, and financial services. Currently leading the UK Company Secretariat division at Realty Income in London, they specialize in entity restructuring and management, acquisitions, transaction execution, project management, and embedding robust governance practices. With a proven track record in simplifying complex corporate structures, they bring a strategic and pragmatic approach to enabling business efficiency while ensuring compliance excellence. Their cross-sector expertise and hands-on leadership in high-value transactions make them a sought-after voice in corporate governance and structural optimization.

Teneo

Kate Rosie

Kate is Regional Leader of Teneo’s Corporate Simplification national team. She is a Chartered Tax Advisor with over 20 years of corporate simplification experience assisting clients across various sectors and geographies. This includes restructuring, winding down and exiting businesses in a solvent manner, ultimately eliminating companies by means of strike off or members’ voluntary liquidation (“MVL”). Using her extensive expertise and experience in undertaking due diligence and project management, alongside her tax, accounting and legal knowledge, she works with clients to achieve their optimal group structures.

Company Secretary, Canary Wharf Group

Anne Steele

Anne is a Company Secretary with nearly 40 years of experience in FTSE350 companies across a range of industries with responsibilities for plc and subsidiary governance, listed company compliance and share plans. She is currently leading the Simplification Project at Canary Wharf Group, the developer behind the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, responsible for the regeneration of 128 acres in east London’s former Docklands. She is a firm believer that good governance is synonymous with good communication (underpinned by cake).

Policy & Research Director, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland

Peter Swabey FCG

Based in London, he is responsible for developing the profile of the Institute and the governance profession with members, regulators, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders by delivering thought leadership, lobbying campaigns and professional guidance promoting strong governance as the vital ingredient for success in organisations. Peter, who joined the Institute in 2013, has more than 40 years’ experience working on governance. He is a member of a number of industry committees and working parties, and is a regular speaker at conferences and events, with an industry-wide reputation as an expert on shareholder and governance matters.