Artificial intelligence presents significant challenges for boards of directors. Companies must decide how to effectively integrate AI to keep pace with digital transformation. Christian Vasino, CEO of Chaberton Partners, explains why many boards are struggling and how his company plans to address the issue with an innovative initiative.
«We are in the process of establishing a pool of AI specialists for boards of directors in Switzerland for 2025,» said Christian Vasino, CEO of Chaberton Partners, in an interview with finews.asia.
Building Expertise: A Proven Approach
Chaberton Partners has experience in this area. The firm has already created a similar pool in Italy, comprising 80 specialists. According to Vasino, this initiative is essential.
«The speed at which AI-driven digital transformation is fundamentally reshaping countless business areas is overwhelming many boards and executive teams,» he commented.
No Time to Delay on AI
Vasino refers to a «true AI explosion» that will continue to demand attention from companies for years to come. However, in the fast-paced world of AI, time is a critical factor.
«Everyone is under pressure. Action must be swift. Those who delay risk losing their competitive edge,» Vasino warned.
Sustainability: Lack of Standards Creates Complexity
Sustainability remains another major issue for boards of directors. Vasino criticizes the inconsistency that still prevails: «In some companies, sustainability is placed under risk management, while in others it falls under the communications department.»
To address this, Chaberton Partners advocates for an independent certification system, as the lack of standards complicates the work of boards.
Shareholder Meetings: High Approval Doesn't Equal Satisfaction
The challenges are also reflected in the time commitment required from board members. According to a recent study by Swipra, an independent Swiss corporate governance specialist, sustainability accounted for the most significant workload in preparing for shareholder meetings at 45 percent of surveyed companies.
While sustainability reports often receive high approval ratings at AGMs, this does not necessarily indicate shareholder satisfaction. In fact, Swipra’s study reveals that many shareholders believe there is significant room for improvement.
«Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important reputational factor,» said Vasino.
