Corporate governance is an endeavour without end, subject to periodic reviews, updates, and enhancements. DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer is only too aware that room for improvement may always be found, necessitating both constant vigilance and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
Under his guidance, the state-owned DEWA has embraced good governance as a core value – and a strategic objective. DEWA is committed to adopting and implementing the best practices of good corporate governance in all its activities and operations.
Today, the utility far exceeds the international standards as defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other multilateral entities. Adherence to good corporate governance principles is no longer the exclusive domain of publicly-listed companies.
Long before it became fashionable and mandatory, Mr Tayer instituted a solid governance framework at DEWA centred on four pillars: accountability, transparency, responsibility, and fair practices. This enabled DEWA to build an exceptionally strong relationship with all stakeholders and established the utility as a trusted partner – and an example for other corporates to follow.
Good governance also includes the creation of a corporate culture that encourages and welcomes innovation – one without organisational silos. DEWA now prides itself, justifiably, on being a horizontally integrated company which acts as a unified team to meet, with considerable aplomb, the challenges of tomorrow. Thus, Mr Tayer has shaped a company that, whilst in an essential legacy business, has become a formidable leader in disruptive technologies, seeking and finding new and exciting ways to stay well ahead of the curve.
The CFI.co judging panel wishes to recognise Mr Tayer’s dedication to good – indeed, excellent – corporate governance. The judges feel honoured to offer Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Corporate Governance Middle East.