West Midlands

Helen Higginbotham, FCG, Branch Chair

Helen is chair of the WM Branch. Helen is a partner in the corporate department at HCR Law with over 10 years' experience, and is head of the due diligence team advising clients on areas of risk and corporate compliance. She is a Fellow of the Institute. Helen provides training on company secretarial matters and loves all things “corporate governance”!

In her spare time, Helen enjoys walks in the countryside with her two dogs.

Tom Proverbs-Garbett, FCG, Branch Secretary

Tom is the secretary of the WM Branch and is an Associate Director at RSM within the ESG Team. One way or another, it’s Tom who will welcome you to our events!

Jagdish Kaur, Student Champion

Jag is the Student Champion of the WM Branch. She qualified as an Associate member in 2021. Jag has worked in both private and listed companies focusing largely on Subsidiary governance.

In her spare time, Jag enjoys spending time in nature and practising Krav Maga.

Deni Nkabinde, Branch Social Media and Marketing

Deni is a versatile professional adept at merging business and technology. Having graduated with a MBA focused on AI in 2023, Deni brings cutting-edge expertise to her current role. With over five years of experience in marketing and digital platforms, Deni currently works with Barclays UK and offers a unique perspective. She’s Passionate about leveraging technology for sustainable solutions, and travelling the world.

Karl George MBE

Karl George MBE is a thought leader and internationally established consultant in governance. He is a Partner and head of Governance at RSM professional services firm. Working with boards and senior executives in the private, public and voluntary sectors with over twenty years’ combined experience in accountancy, business and strategic development.

He is the creator of Effective Board Member Programmes which have been delivered across the world in partnership with organisations including the Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners (ACGP), The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), The Football Association (FA), Edinburgh Napier University, The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and RSM UK. The Programmes have been developed specifically for women, young professionals, footballers, cricketers and other sports people, senior executives and CEOs training over 1000 people in 11 countries around the world.

Nicola Rees

Nicola is the company secretary for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Nicola has specialist sector experience includes Charity Governance Code, charity trading subsidiaries, membership organisations, sports national governing bodies and the Code for Sports Governance, and corporate social responsibility. I’m Degree and Professional Postgraduate Diploma educated.

Nicola is an enthusiastic member of the committee who looks forward to welcoming you to our events!

Bish Das

Bish Das has over 10 years of experience in the Shareplans and Share Registration industry. Currently an Account Executive at Kuberno, he has expanded into the world of Global Entity/Subsidiary Management. Bish leverages technology to enhance governance practices, focusing on innovative solutions for Company Secretaries and General Counsels. As a CGI WM Branch committee member, he brings valuable insights into governance technology.

Bish’s proactive approach and dedication support the corporate governance community, contributing to best practices and efficiency improvements. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and addressing the challenges faced by governance professionals.