Executive Director – Corporate Governance (UAE National)

About the role

We are seeking an Executive Director – Corporate Governance to lead and oversee the organization’s governance framework across Legal, Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, Information Security, ESG, and Board Governance. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will shape policy, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive governance excellence for one of the region’s largest entities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise‑wide corporate governance frameworks aligned with international best practices and UAE regulations.
• Provide strategic governance and legal advice to the Board and Executive Leadership.
• Oversee Legal, Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, ESG, Information Security, and Health & Safety functions.
• Maintain governance policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks.
• Lead ESG strategy, sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and ESG risk management.
• Establish information security governance in line with ISO 27001 and NIST standards.
• Manage complex legal matters, contracts, corporate structuring, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare governance reporting, Board documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Manage departmental budgets and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary teams.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, Corporate Governance or a related discipline.
• 12–15 years of progressive leadership experience in corporate governance, legal advisory, risk management, compliance, ESG or information security.
• Professional certifications such as CGEIT, CCEP, CRISC, CISM, CISSP or equivalent are highly preferred.
• Proven track record advising Boards and senior executives in large, complex or government‑related organisations.

Required skills