Erika Eliasson-Norris FCG
CEO
As the CEO and Founder of Beyond Governance, Erika envisions a future where governance is not just about oversight and regulation but about fostering a culture of responsibility, accountability, adaptability, and long-term vision. Under her leadership, Beyond Governance is redefining the paradigms of corporate governance, making it more inclusive, forward-thinking, and aligned with the global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
“We work with leaders to provide a big picture perspective and proven formulas that improve the quality of decisions.”
Experience
Erika has created a culture at Beyond Governance that celebrates quality delivery through exemplary leadership mixed with an intricate blend of a best-in-class team, foresight, and intellectual prowess.
Erika’s journey prior to Beyond Governance was a fast tracked 10-year career that took her from trainee governance adviser to the top executive governance roles at plc Board level. Her career included two FTSE-listed executive roles, one as a pure Group Company Secretary and the other as a dual hatted Head of Legal and Group Company Secretary.
In December 2021, Erika was appointed Governance Assessor to the Chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Public Inquiry. She was honoured in 2023 with the distinguished title of ‘Governance Professional of the Year’ by the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland, a testament to her unwavering dedication and unmatched expertise in her field.
Now, a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Erika’s voice resonates with audiences worldwide. Her insights not only shed light on the intricacies of governance but inspire a new generation of leaders to view governance as a dynamic interplay of policies, values, and culture. She reminds us that with the right vision and leadership, governance can be the bridge between corporate aspirations and responsible business.
She was part of two ‘class 1’ deal teams at Premier Foods plc that in 2011 sold their canning division to Princes for £182m and Quorn into private equity for £205m. In 2012 she was also part of the team who refinanced Premier Food’s £1.4bn debt and sold their pickles and vinegars business for £41m. She also supported on Low & Bonar’s £165m debt refinancing in 2018 and has over her career managed nine CEO/CFO successions and two Chairmen as well as activist investors forcing succession and demonstrating at AGMs. She now works with companies of all sizes to develop fit for purpose governance.
Erika is a moderator for The Chartered Governance Institute’s Board Dynamics module and Development of Strategy module for their professional qualification and is a regular speaker at governance and Institute of Director events. She is also a member of the IoD’s Centre for Corporate Governance Stakeholder Governance Working Group.
