GUBERNA welcomes Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Sergakis as Knowledge & Research Director
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Sergakis as GUBERNA’s new Knowledge & Research Director. This strategic addition completes the Institute's executive team, which includes Saartje Verbeke as Portfolio Director and Gilles Van Lysebeth as Reach & Communication Director who were appointed last year. Together, under the dynamic leadership of Executive Director Sandra Gobert, GUBERNA is prepared to continue its mission of advancing corporate governance practices as it approaches its 30th anniversary. The appointment of Prof. Dr. Sergakis aligns with the Institute's forward-looking strategy, guided by Chair Jan Suykens who succeeded Gaëtan Hannecart in 2024, to remain at the forefront of governance excellence in Belgium and beyond.
Konstantinos Sergakis: A New Chapter at GUBERNA
Prof. dr. Sergakis joins GUBERNA with great enthusiasm, eager to leverage his extensive research background and leadership skills to contribute to the Institute's ongoing success. He views this role as an exciting opportunity to step beyond academia and engage directly with a vibrant community of directors and stakeholders. His appointment is part of GUBERNA's broader strategy to enhance its research capabilities and strengthen relationships with its members, ensuring that the Institute remains a leader in corporate governance as it prepares for the next decade.
In his new position, Konstantinos will focus on reinforcing GUBERNA's strong research profile and its dynamic relationships with members. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic governance approach that blends both top-down and bottom-up initiatives. "Governance culture thrives when education and continuous dialogue are at its core," he notes. His connection with GUBERNA began in 2020 when he delivered a keynote speech at the Annual Listed Companies Day, an experience that deepened his interest in the Institute's work. Konstantinos is eager to contribute to GUBERNA’s ambitious goals alongside a strong and committed GUBERNA team.
In a testament to his intrinsic motivation, Konstantinos is learning Dutch as his seventh language, underscoring his commitment to fully integrate and contribute to GUBERNA’s mission in multilinguistic Belgium.
A Seasoned Governance Practitioner
Beyond his role at GUBERNA, Prof. Dr. Sergakis is recognised globally for his contributions to corporate governance, stewardship and ESG. He currently chairs the Oversight Committee of the Best Practice Principles Group for Shareholder Voting Research, a global industry group for proxy advisors, where he leads efforts in monitoring and public reporting. BPP OC’s role has been recognized by regulators, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the European Securities and Markets Authority, as a credible alternative to hard law measures in the field of corporate governance.
Konstantinos also serves on the Joint Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities and has advised numerous public authorities and organizations on corporate governance and stewardship issues, with the last being the launch of the inaugural stewardship guidelines for Italian pension funds.
At GUBERNA, he aims to translate his international insights into practical benefits for its members, helping to advance corporate governance in Belgium, in alignment with the strategic goals set by GUBERNA’s Board of Directors.
An Academic with a Vision
As a Professor of Capital Markets Law and Corporate Governance at the University of Glasgow, Prof. Dr. Sergakis has made significant contributions to the academic study of governance. His research, widely cited by authorities and market actors, explores critical areas such as shareholder stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and the impact of artificial intelligence on governance practices.
Konstantinos' academic journey began in Athens, followed by advanced studies in London and Paris, where his doctoral thesis, The Transparency of Listed Companies in EU Law, was awarded the prestigious Prix Solennel André Isoré for the best PhD in Private Law in France in 2010 and received a Special Grant from the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation. His work has consistently drawn attention from top financial publications and academic journals, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in corporate governance.
"Sound governance fosters prosperity and ensures economic and social growth, creating a sustainable future for both shareholders and stakeholders.”
In his new role at GUBERNA, Konstantinos envisions a synergistic relationship between his academic pursuits and the Institute’s mission. Expressing his enthusiasm about joining GUBERNA, Professor Sergakis says, “This role offers a unique opportunity to benefit GUBERNA and its members by bridging my academic research with practical, on-the-ground governance initiatives, particularly in areas like family governance and SME governance, which are vital to the Belgian economy.” He is committed to fostering an ongoing dialogue with GUBERNA's members and stakeholders, ensuring that the latest research and global trends in governance are effectively integrated into the Institute’s offerings. His appointment is a testament to GUBERNA's commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic growth as it looks to the future with a talented team under the leadership of its qualified executive team and experienced Board of Directors.
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This article offers a glimpse into the expertise and vision that Prof. Dr. Sergakis brings to GUBERNA. For a deeper dive into his thoughts on governance, stay tuned for the full interview, where he shares insights from his illustrious career and his plans for the future of GUBERNA.