Governance as a Catalyst: Episode 8 – Unlocking NRC Effectiveness in the GCC (Part 1)
In this two-part episode of the ecap Rewards Podcast mini-series, Sandrine Bardot, Rewards Senior Managing Partner at ecap, speaks with Abrar Khodari, Head of Human Capital at Xenel Industries Ltd. and Secretary to the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC).
With over 15 years’ experience shaping HR strategy across aviation, retail, and family-owned groups in Saudi Arabia, Abrar shares practical insights on what makes NRCs truly effective in today’s GCC governance landscape.
“Governance maturity is no longer optional – it is fundamental to sustainable transformation.”
The Changing Mandate of the NRC
The NRC has moved well beyond traditional oversight of executive remuneration. As regulatory expectations increase and Saudi Vision 2030 accelerates transformation across the Kingdom, the committee’s mandate now extends into leadership capability, succession planning, organisational culture, and long-term value creation.
This expanded remit demands deeper expertise, structured induction for independent members, and a more strategic partnership between HR leadership and the board.
Part 1 – NRC Fundamentals & Governance Challenges
Discover why NRCs are often the most complex board committees in the GCC and what makes them truly effective.
In Part 1, Sandrine and Abrar explore:
- Balancing talent, compensation, and strategic vision
- Different realities for listed companies, private firms, and family-owned businesses
- The risk of treating reward purely as cost-cutting rather than a strategic investment
- Why independent NRC members need structured onboarding, not just a title
- How high-trust partnerships between HR leaders and the NRC drive transformation
“Transactional relationships limit impact – it’s about trust, insight, and partnership.”
From Oversight to Strategic Value
For board members, CHROs, and governance professionals across the GCC, this conversation offers practical guidance on strengthening NRC capability to support meaningful transformation – moving beyond procedural oversight to strategic impact.
In the upcoming part two, we explore how leading NRCs turn oversight into lasting strategic impact.
Connect & Learn More
- Connect with Sandrine Bardot: sandrine@teamecap.com
- Discover ecap Rewards: Visit the ecap Rewards page
