GUBERNA x IMD Board Retreat 2026

Developed in partnership with the IMD Global Board Center, the GUBERNA x IMD Board Retreat brings together senior board directors for two days of intensive peer learning, hands-on practice, and expert faculty sessions. The programme is designed for experienced directors who want to deepen their governance practice in a small, high-level setting.

About this programme

The GUBERNA x IMD Board Retreat is not a conference or a masterclass. It is a two-day working retreat — deliberately small and deliberately intensive — designed for board directors who have the experience, and want the space to reflect, challenge, and engage with governance at depth.

The programme moves between conceptual frameworks and hands-on practice. Participants work through a live board simulation, explore the implications of geopolitical shifts for boards, and take part in an interactive dinner structured around real board dilemmas. The second day closes with a keynote from an experienced director and a forward-looking session on the future of governance.

This programme is open to all board directors, whether or not they are GUBERNA members.

Programme

Day 1 - 29 October

12:00 – 13:30 Welcome & Working Lunch

13:30 – 14:00 Introduction

14:00 – 15:30 Effective Boards: The 4 Pillars

16:00 – 18:00 Board Simulation

19:00 – 22:00 Interactive Dinner: 'Dealing with Board Dilemmas' guided by IMD & GUBERNA

Day 2 - 30 October

09:00 – 09:30 Highlights & Learnings from Day 1

09:30 – 10:45 Geo-economics for Boards

11:00 – 12:00 Keynote Session - Carlos Brito

12:00 – 13:00 Future Governance

13:00 – 13:15 Wrap-up & Close

13:15 – 14:00 Cocktail Lunch

Prof. Didier Cossin

Chaired Professor of Governance & Finance; Founder and Director, IMD Global Board Center

Originator of the Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness, Professor Cossin has advised boards across the world, including the United Nations, the World Bank, sovereign wealth funds, and major corporations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Prof. Simon Evenett

Professor of Geopolitics and Strategy, IMD

One of the world's leading analysts of global trade, investment and geopolitical dynamics. Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment and founder of the Global Trade Alert.
Carlos Brito

Carlos Brito Chief Executive Officer, Belron Group

Carlos Brito built one of the most remarkable value creation stories in modern business history. Over 32 years at AB InBev — 15 of them as CEO — he transformed a regional brewer into the world's largest beer company, growing its market capitalisation from $26 billion to $141 billion and building a global portfolio that includes Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois. Since 2023, he has served as CEO of Belron Group, the world's leading vehicle glass repair and replacement group, operating in 38 countries under brands including Carglass and Safelite. A graduate of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Stanford Business School, he has led organisations across five continents throughout his career

Who should attend?

This programme is designed for experienced board directors — chairpersons, non-executive directors, and audit or remuneration committee members — who want to deepen their governance practice and engage with peers at the highest level. It is open to all board directors. GUBERNA membership is not required to participate.

Your registration is subject to approval.

Event Location

Sapphire House Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium

The event will take place at the elegant Sapphire House Antwerp, located in the heart of Antwerp. Combining refined hospitality with a modern and inspiring atmosphere, the venue provides the ideal setting for learning, networking, and shared experiences throughout the event.

All training sessions, accommodation, and catering are included and hosted on-site to ensure a seamless and comfortable event experience.