Annual General Meetings (AGMs) have long been the cornerstone of corporate governance, serving as an essential platform for shareholder engagement, decision-making, and transparency. As we move into 2025, AGMs are evolving in response to shifting expectations, technological advancements, and the growing demand for more inclusive and impactful governance practices.
Corporate and deputy corporate secretaries are at the forefront of this transformation, tasked with delivering AGMs that not only meet compliance requirements but also foster engagement and trust among stakeholders. Here are the key trends that will shape AGMs in 2025:
Hybrid AGMs, blending physical and virtual participation, are now the norm. This format caters to a broader range of stakeholders, enabling organizations to foster engagement while addressing logistical challenges.
Why It Matters:
The digitization of voting processes is streamlining shareholder participation, making governance more efficient and transparent. Digital election platforms allow secure and accessible voting before in scheduled elections format and during AGMs, ensuring every voice is counted.
Why It Matters:
We recently worked with Haleon, a world-leading consumer health company, to ensure they were able to facilitate effective shareholder and board communications. You can read the full case study here.
“One of the things we found shareholders loved about using Lumi Global was the ability to vote and ask live questions.”
– Fiona Cuttell, Senior Assistant Company Secretary and Head of Non-Financial Reporting, Haleon
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are no longer optional—they are a focal point of shareholder discussions. In 2025, AGMs are increasingly used as a platform to showcase ESG performance and future commitments.
Why It Matters:
In an era of increasing complexity, AGMs are shifting towards more concise and targeted agendas. Companies are prioritizing essential topics while leveraging pre-meeting materials and post-event follow-ups to manage additional content.
Why It Matters:
As organizations become more global, AGMs are designed to accommodate diverse shareholders from various regions and time zones. Accessibility is a priority to ensure no stakeholder feels excluded.
Why It Matters:
In our recent webinar, Lumi Global's UK Sales Director, Ben Riley, engaged in a compelling discussion with Nick Ivory, Assistant Company Secretary at Haleon, and Rob Lyons, Deputy Company Secretary at Marks and Spencer. They explored how digital solutions can enhance shareholder engagement, strengthen governance, and deliver impactful, interactive experiences. You can access the full webinar here.
Advanced analytics are helping organizations plan more effective AGMs. By using pre-meeting and real-time data, corporate secretaries can ensure that shareholder priorities are addressed, boosting satisfaction and participation.
Why It Matters:
The reliance on digital tools for AGMs has made transparency and cybersecurity critical concerns. Organizations are prioritizing secure platforms and governance processes to maintain shareholder trust.
Why It Matters:
The evolution of AGMs in 2025 reflects the growing demand for more dynamic, inclusive, and transparent governance. For corporate and deputy corporate secretaries, these trends present an opportunity to transform AGMs into strategic assets that go beyond compliance to create meaningful shareholder engagement.
By embracing hybrid models, leveraging digital election technology, prioritizing ESG discussions, and utilizing data-driven strategies, AGMs can become powerful platforms for trust-building and value creation.
As 2025 unfolds, how will your organization innovate its AGM strategy? The future of governance is here—let’s shape it together.
Ready to speak to our dedicated regional sales teams to see how you can transform your AGMs in 2025? Book a demo of the Lumi Platform and see how.