This is an event co-organised with the Directors Chapter, IFSP.
As C-suite leadership continues to rise in quality and sophistication, how can boards evolve in tandem to match the pace?
This panel explores the modern boardroom’s most pressing challenges: balancing oversight with strategic input, leveraging diversity and expertise for sharper decisions, and adapting to powerful forces like ESG, digitisation, and rising stakeholder expectations.
Chaired by Fabianne Ruggier, the discussion will offer CEOs and Chairs practical insights on how to select and collaborate with Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) who bring integrity, sector depth, and future-ready thinking to governance and performance.
This panel will explore how boardrooms can evolve to match the rising calibre of today’s C-suite leadership. The discussion will begin be examining the role of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and the delicate balance they must strike between strategic input and governance oversight.
The conversation will also focus on diversity and expertise on boards, highlighting how varied backgrounds, whether commercial, functional, or sector-specific, are influencing board effectiveness and elevating decision-making. From financial services to manufacturing and policy, the panellists bring a broad spectrum of experience to the table.
Looking ahead, the panel will address emerging trends reshaping the governance landscape, from ESG integration and digitisation to evolving stakeholder expectations, and discuss how boards must adapt to remain relevant and resilient.
Finally, the session will offer practical takeaways for CEOs and Chairs looking to strengthen their governance frameworks. Expect insights into what makes an effective NED today: integrity, sector fluency, curiosity, sound judgment, and cultural fit.
Date: Monday, 15 September 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Xara Lodge
Fee: Free
Capacity: 80–100 attendees
Marisa Xuereb
An economist with nearly 30 years in the manufacturing sector, Marisa served as President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce (2021–2023). She now holds NED roles across banking, insurance, telecoms, and family businesses, while maintaining an executive role in manufacturing with significant cross-border exposure.
Alexia Farrugia
A finance and governance professional with 24 years in the financial services sector. Alexia is a Chartered Director and founder of Actaco Financial, specialising in AML regulation and risk. She also serves on numerous boards and lectures in risk management and securitisation.
Etienne Borg Cardona
A CPA and PhD in Leadership & Management, Etienne is the founder of Capital Advisory. He sits as an independent NED across various sectors and contributes to governance policy through the IFSP, where he chairs the Directors Chapter. He is also a lecturer on financial history and governance.
Fabianne Ruggier – Founder, Resona Strategies
A strategist and board advisor, Fabianne helps CEOs navigate challenging business landscapes by instilling strategic thinking across management and shaping their organisations to be fit-for-strategy. Her background spans leadership positions in international and local technology and consulting firms, and public policy roles.
Reserve your seat for an evening of rich insight into modern governance and boardroom performance.
The views expressed during the event are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of The Malta Business Network. MBN does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information shared.
By registering, you consent to photography for promotional use.
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