Spotlight Series #7 - Yana Franke

Yana Fanke is a Governance HOT 100 winner in the Future Leaders category and an Assistant Company Secretary at Kingfisher plc. Read on to hear her thoughts about getting into the governance profession, what being a HOT 100 winner means to her and more.

How did you become a company secretary/governance professional?

I knew I wanted to go into a law-related career, having studied criminology at university and then the Graduate Diploma in Law. I came across company secretarial work when researching "alternative legal careers". I felt it was a compelling profession which complimented my skill set and allowed me to utilise my legal studies. I could also gain broad-ranging exposure to the inner workings of a company - across any industry - and add real value to a business.??

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Well this award is up there! I'm proud of my career so far. I've passed my exams while working full time and feel lucky to have worked with so many inspirational colleagues, who have supported me in developing professionally. Some recent achievements include transforming the administration of all Board and Committee meetings during the pandemic and work on the Annual Report, having overhauled some of the governance sections in 2020 - the culture and s.172 disclosures were recognised in PwC’s Building Public Trust Awards 2021 Corporate Governance and Strategic Reporting.

What does winning in this category mean to you?

I'm delighted! It is motivating to be recognised for hard work and dedication, particularly during such unusual circumstances during the pandemic. I am hugely thankful that I have had such a fantastic team around me and supportive mentors along the way.