Staff Reporter –
A Wellingtonian of Indian origin has been recognised for his ‘directorial potential’ by the Institute of Directors based in the Capital.
Sunil Surujpal, a Senior Manager at Accenture and Chair of the Junior Rugby Board of the Wellington Rugby Football Union, received the ‘Emerging Director Award’ at a ceremony held on November 23, 2015.
The Emerging Director Award aims to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, practical experience, and formal governance training.
The recipient will receive mentoring from an experienced director, $2000 for professional development, and one-year membership of the Institute of Directors.
Leadership skills
Institute of Directors Wellington Branch Chair Dr Helen Anderson said that Mr Surujpal impressed the judges with his clear leadership skills and dedication to best practice governance.
“He stood out as someone with a deep and diverse skillset. Mr Surujpal recognises good governance as being the foundation of great organisations and has a real drive to grow his capability as a director,” she said.
With 15 years of experience in diverse industries such as finance, insurance, and public sector, Mr Surujpal is confident of contributing as a technology leader.
Rising risks
“Businesses are being disrupted by a range of factors including new competitors, the rate and pervasiveness of technological change, the changing external economic environment and increasing demands of customers. To survive, organisations must embrace new regulations, technologies, manage new risks and prepare for the future with robust planning. These challenges, often described as the ‘New Normal,’ mean strong effective governance is even more important to public and private sector organisations,” he said.
While a desire to give back to the community and to secure the future of his children, Mr Surujpal said that the Award will offer him a chance to meet and learn from experienced directors and see other boards in action.
“It is apparent that good governance does not just happen on its own. It takes hard work, dedication, and commitment to an organisation to deliver quality outcomes. The opportunities and the doors opened by this Award will allow me to become a better director, able to provide more effective support for local community bodies and other organisations I take on in the future,” he said.
Photo :
Sunil Surujpal receiving the ‘Emerging Director Award’ from David Frow, Member of the Wellington Branch Committee of the Institute of Directors.
