More than 50 alums gathered on 30 June at The Box Club by DiverInvest for the second Alumni Evening, an initiative organised by Alumni UIC Barcelona to bring together graduates working in the same professional sector and encourage the exchange of knowledge. This second edition explored the challenges of corporate governance in family businesses.

The event began with remarks by Frederic Van Dyck, director of Alumni, who highlighted the value of these gatherings as opportunities for sharing knowledge and reconnecting with former classmates.

The round table discussion included Mercedes Mullor, Sandra Llavina and Gaby Masfurroll, three business leaders representing different career paths and business models, who shared their perspectives on the evolution of corporate governance within their respective organisations.

The speakers agreed that there is no single corporate governance model for family businesses. Instead, governance structures should adapt to each company’s specific circumstances and stage of development. According to Mercedes Mullor, "the corporate governance model is closely linked to the stage the company is at. It must be adapted to who you are, what you want to achieve and where you are heading.”

Sandra Llavina discussed the unique nature of family businesses, arguing that "family businesses have a soul," and underlined the importance of preserving their legacy.

For his part, Gaby Masfurroll stressed the importance of professionalising governance bodies from the early stages of growth, noting that "a professional board of directors will help your company evolve."

The debate also addressed some of the key challenges facing family businesses today, including generational succession, balancing family interests, ownership and business and preserving the company’s legacy without sacrificing professional management.

The round table concluded with a reflection on the emerging issues already shaping boardroom agendas, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. All three speakers stressed the importance of addressing these challenges with a strategic mindset, integrating them progressively and in ways that reflect each company’s particular reality.

Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and continue to exchange ideas with the speakers during a networking cocktail reception, which brought the evening to a close and provided a valuable opportunity for learning and reconnecting within the Alumni community.

The first Alumni Evening took place in May last year in Rabat and focused on wealth management and investment.

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