Last month, board directors, executives, and thought leaders from around the world gathered in Chicago for The Global Institute & Visionary Awards — a milestone event marking 25 years of advancing excellence in corporate governance.

This year’s two-and-a-half-day event centered on the evolving responsibilities of today’s board directors, with discussions exploring topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in governance, succession planning, cultivating culture and supporting the next generation of corporate leaders. Helping to lead some of these discussions were keynote speakers Tarang Amin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at e.l.f. Beauty; Luvvie Ajayi Jones, CEO and Chief Visionary Officer of Awe Luv Media, LLC; Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of The Obama Foundation; and Tim Walsh, Chair and CEO of KPMG U.S., among others.

During the event, attendees heard dynamic panel-style discussions, listened to keynote presentations, and participated in networking sessions designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among peers. This created a space for an honest conversation around challenges and opportunities shaping the future of board leadership.

The milestone celebration also hosted the Visionary Awards, an evening that honored six recipients for their continued commitment to corporate excellence. Among receiving the awards, the globally recognized, hand-selected recipients shared: 

• Visionary Award for ESG Leadership
  “We are honored to receive this year’s WCD Visionary Award for ESG. At e.l.f. Beauty, the most important word in our mission —to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face —is every. Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. Having diverse voices at the table strengthens decision-making, inspires the next generation of leaders, and drives positive impact that reaches far beyond the boardroom.” – Tarang Amin, Chairman & CEO of e.l.f. Beauty

 

• Visionary Award for Emerging Leadership
  “I want to sincerely thank WCD for this honor. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and I look forward to learning more from this remarkable community and closely working with you. Together, let us continue to build a better world—one where women and men alike are equally respected, valued, and empowered.” – Kihak Sung, Chairman & CEO of Youngone Corporation

 

• Visionary Award for Emerging Leadership
  “Being recognized confirms that the path we follow toward responsible and sustainable leadership is the right one. Our vision is to generate a positive impact on society while strengthening an internal culture based on commitment, innovation, and collaboration, building a sustainable and transformative future for all.” – Ximena Corbo, Director of Empresas CMPC

 

• Visionary Award for Leadership and Governance of a Public Company
  “We are honored to be selected for the Visionary Award for Leadership of a Public Company. We are pleased that our long-standing efforts have been recognized through this award. At the same time, we take this recognition as a renewed call to action, and remain committed to further evolving our business. We will continue to pursue initiatives that bring us closer to realizing the vision we aspire to.” – Reiko Kojima, Director and Senior Executive Officer, Chief Well-being at Marui Group

 

• Visionary Award for Leadership and Governance of a Private Company
  “This award celebrates Epta’s journey toward a more inclusive culture. With over 8,000 employees of more than 60 nationalities, and deep roots in the mechanical industry, we believe that true change happens when core values are clearly reflected in everyday actions. This recognition is a powerful testament to our commitment and inspiration to keep moving forward, for all our people worldwide.” – Michaela Castelli, Chairwoman of Epta Group

 

• Visionary Award for Susan Stautberg WCD Membership Leadership
  “Being recognized by a global leader in DEI such as WCD is an immense honor and a humbling experience. This recognition reflects our tangible impact on the community, on WCD globally, and on the advancement of women leaders. Inspired by so many trailblazers, I remain committed to forging new pathways that connect companies with women leaders, strengthen networks, and create spaces where decisions are made.” – Lucy Pamboukdjian, Board member and Executive Director at ABRASCA and Board Member of CIEE

 

KPMG LLP is the Global Title Sponsor of the 2025 Global Institute and Visionary Awards. 

Read more articles from our Global Institute & Visionary Awards, here: 

• The Korea Herald
• Visionary Awards Honorees