With a 17-year career in governance, Pordage is currently company secretary for four listed investment companies, including Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited. He was previously Deputy Company Secretary for ANZ Banking Group and prior to that, Head of Board Support for Barclays PLC in the United Kingdom.

Pordage said that his focus as President of the Institute will be on supporting Australian organisations to put in place strong governance frameworks to enhance productivity.

“That will involve encouraging all organisations to ‘join the dots’ on their culture, risk management, strategy-setting and communication frameworks and to cascade them effectively, so that everyone in the organisation — not just the board and executives — understands what they need to do, what they are authorised and empowered to do, and also what they are accountable for, to help the organisation achieve its goals,” he commented.

Outgoing president Trisha Mok said Pordage’s expertise, dedication to the profession and passion for effective governance would set the tone for his presidency and continue to drive the Institute’s leadership in whole-of-organisation governance in all sectors — public, private and not-for-profit.

“Simon is recognised for his leadership on practical and effective governance measures and reforms. His guidance will be invaluable as the Institute facilitates taking governance to the next frontier over the coming years — beyond the board to the entire organisation,” said Mok.