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:
1. Hybrid AGMs Lead the Way
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:
- Shareholders can participate in real time, whether attending in person or virtually, ensuring inclusivity.
- Hybrid features, such as live voting and virtual Q&A sessions, allow remote participants to contribute actively.
- Reduced travel and digital document sharing align AGMs with corporate sustainability goals.
2. Digital Election Technology Enhancing Governance
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:
- Digital tools provide secure authentication and tamper-proof voting systems, ensuring process integrity.
- Instantaneous vote tallying allows for real-time results, increasing transparency.
- Shareholders, regardless of location, can participate, boosting turnout and trust.
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
3. ESG Reporting at the Forefront
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:
- Dedicated ESG sessions provide transparency into corporate sustainability initiatives.
- Shareholders expect data-driven presentations that connect ESG efforts to long-term value creation.
- Companies leveraging AGMs to communicate ESG priorities strengthen stakeholder confidence.
4. Simplified Agendas with Focused Content
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:
- Streamlined agendas keep discussions efficient and focused on key decision points.
- Pre-event materials like video briefings or interactive dashboards prepare shareholders for meaningful engagement.
- Clear, well-organized sessions build credibility and maintain attendee attention.
5. Enhanced Accessibility for Global Shareholders
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:
- Multilingual support and live captioning make AGMs more inclusive for international shareholders.
- Time zone-sensitive scheduling and on-demand recordings cater to global participants.
- Platforms with accessibility features, such as screen readers or simplified interfaces, ensure equal participation opportunities.
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.
6. Data-Driven Engagement for Better Outcomes
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:
- Pre-event surveys and sentiment analysis help identify topics of interest to shareholders.
- Real-time feedback during AGMs, such as polling, gauges the effectiveness of discussions and informs follow-ups.
- Data insights post-event help refine future AGM strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
7. Technology-Driven Transparency and Security
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:
- End-to-end encryption and secure access controls protect sensitive shareholder data.
- Transparent reporting on AGM proceedings and decisions reinforces stakeholder confidence.
- Regular audits of digital platforms ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Looking Ahead: AGMs as Strategic Assets
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.
