Session 1 | Shareholders, corporate purpose and sustainability

The 2025 IESE-ECGI Corporate Governance Conference was held on March 31, 2025, at IESE Business School’s Madrid campus, co-hosted by IESE and ECGI.

Session 1, "Shareholders, Corporate Purpose and Sustainability," explored the shifting role of shareholders in shaping corporate direction amid global disruption. Moderated by Africa Ariño (IESE Business School), the session featured a keynote by Colin Mayer (Oxford University and ECGI) and commentary by Fabrizio Ferraro (IESE Business School). Mayer challenged traditional notions of corporate success, advocating for a purpose-driven model of “profit without harm” that aligns shareholder interest with broader societal outcomes. Ferraro responded by underscoring the importance of empirical research, responsible investment, and regulatory engagement, arguing that purpose, ESG stewardship, and law must operate in tandem to support meaningful corporate accountability.

Click to access the presentation slides from the speaker and the discussant.