Company law: City partner to review corporate governance

A partner at City firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has been appointed to a high-profile advisory group on corporate governance set up by the European Commission.


Vanessa Knapp, who also chairs the Law Society's company law committee, was selected to be a member of the group that will advise the commission on strengthening shareholders' rights and modernising company law.


The group is made up of 20 non-governmental experts whose professional backgrounds give them particular knowledge in this area, including investors, academics, and employees' representatives.


The commission established the body as part of its ongoing review of company law and corporate governance, following its adoption, in May 2003, of an action plan on modernising company law and enhancing corporate governance in the EU.


Other members of the group include Daniela Weber-Rey, a partner in Clifford Chance's German arm, and Thomas Courtney, head of legal and compliance with the Bank of Ireland.


Ms Knapp said: 'The role of the group is to bring their practical expertise to advise on whether proposals will work and achieve the aims of the commission. I hope it will focus on issues such as the cost/benefit analysis of proposals.'


She added: 'I hope I can bring the experience I have gained in dealing with companies and have an understanding about what they care about, what they will find helpful and conversely, what companies will not find helpful, particular around the issue of red tape.'


The members have been appointed for three years. Their first meeting is expected to take place in June in Brussels.