Being an effective Senior Independent Director (SID) relies far more on personal qualities, rather than expertise in any professional discipline. So what does equip you to step into a SID role? How can you evidence it and apply those skills to some of the challenges?
Orna NiChionna will share her thoughts on what makes an effective SID, based on her significant experience in the role. Orna will also discuss some common challenges facing the Senior Independent Director, and consider how to navigate them.
There will also be ample opportunity at this Directors’ Circle event for participants to share their experiences of acting as a SID, or interacting with one as a board member, under Chatham House rule.
Orna NiChionna
Orna is a highly experienced Non-Executive Director, Chair, SID and RemCo Chair of major UK plcs, private companies and charities.
She is currently the Senior Independent Director at Burberry plc; and a Trustee of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. She has just stepped down from the role of Senior Independent Director at Saga. She has previously held the role of SID and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Royal Mail, HMV, Bupa and Northern Foods.
She was Chair of Founders Intelligence; and was Chair of the Advisory Board of Eden McCallum.
Orna was the first woman to be elected Partner at McKinsey & Company’s London office and brings deep experience in retail insight and strategy. She studied electronic engineering at University College Dublin and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.