Center for Corporate Governance
Center for Corporate Governance
President: Jordi Canals
The IESE Center for Corporate Governance aims to foster dialogue and produce independent, rigorous research that advances the theory and practice of corporate governance, providing professionals with relevant insights to support informed decision-making.
The Center engages in research projects, executive education programs, international conferences, and dialogue forums that bring together academics, investors, board directors, and regulators to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Below, you can learn more about the news, the Center and its mission, our research areas, conferences, programs, publications — including the IESE Survey on Boards of Directors —and our newsletter.
The upcoming edition of the IESE-ECGI Corporate Governance Conference, Family Firms: Purpose, Economic Performance and Social Impact, will take place on March 16, 2026, at the IESE Madrid campus. The conference will gather leading scholars and business leaders to examine key governance challenges and opportunities in family-owned enterprises.
About the Center.
Technological, economic, and geopolitical disruptions are reshaping the corporate landscape and posing new challenges to effective governance. Boards of directors play a critical role in steering organizations capable of generating sustainable long-term value and lasting positive impact on society.
Established in 2018, the IESE Center for Corporate Governance promotes independent and rigorous research and forums for dialogue aimed at advancing both the theory and practice of corporate governance. Our purpose is to enhance the quality of corporate governance and support the long-term development of organizations.
The Center participates in research initiatives, executive education programs, international conferences, and dialogue platforms that bring together academics, investors, board members, and regulators to exchange insights and experience.
Mission.
The IESE Center for Corporate Governance seeks to improve corporate governance models and practices through evidence-based, data-driven research that has a meaningful impact on how organizations design and implement sustainable long-term value creation strategies.
Research Areas
The Center’s primary research areas include:
Corporate Purpose in Governance
- The role of corporate purpose in governance frameworks
- Corporate purpose and business performance
- Corporate purpose and organizational culture
- Corporate purpose and ESG integration
Boards of Directors
- Improving boards of directors’ effectiveness
- Boards of directors and corporate strategy
- Governance and executive compensation
- CEO succession planning
Sustainability
- ESG metrics, accountability, and reporting
- Sustainable finance
- Impact investing
Shareholders
- The influence of institutional investors
- Institutional investors and stewardship
- Governance of listed companies, family firms, and foundations
- Shareholder activism
International Conferences.
The IESE Center for Corporate Governance, in collaboration with the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI), bring senior academics and business leaders to discuss timely and relevant corporate governance issues. Conference materials and session recordings are available at the links below:
IESE Survey on Boards of Directors
The Center regularly conducts the IESE Survey on Boards of Directors, a study that captures the perspectives of board members and senior executives on the key challenges, priorities, and emerging trends in corporate governance.
The survey provides unique insights into the evolving dynamics of boards of directors in Spain and internationally.
Published reports include:
Newsletter.
Stay connected with the latest research from our faculty and remain up to date on key trends and developments in corporate governance.
JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
The EU’s Sustainability Reporting Framework at a Crossroads
OCTOBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
Leading Through a Polarized World
Subscribe now to stay informed about our latest research, events, and emerging trends in corporate governance.
Programs.
The Center collaborates with IESE’s Executive Education programs. Current programs related to corporate governance include:
