The questions keeping leaders awake at night have become harder to answer. Political polarisation, geopolitical uncertainty, AI, shifting public expectations and workforce challenges are no longer separate issues - they're increasingly connected. xCHANGE 2026 brings together senior GCs, in-house leaders and C-suite executives for a business-first conversation about the forces reshaping organisations today and the decisions that will define the years ahead.
Drawing on original research, an ongoing programme of senior leader insight and Lewis Silkin's experience advising organisations on the strategic challenges shaping their business, the day combines evidence-led analysis with candid discussion from leaders navigating these issues in practice.
Agenda
- 12:30 - lunch and networking
- 13:30 - welcome
- What keeps the boardroom up at night – what we’re hearing from senior leaders. A fast-paced, cross-practice conversation, as Lewis Silkin partners share what they're hearing from clients – mapping the issues, tensions and blind spots shaping board agendas.
- The forces reshaping everything – how polarisation, public opinion and political change are reshaping the business environment. New polarisation research and post-Budget polling frame a conversation on how shifting public attitudes, trust and political change are influencing leadership priorities and the way organisations make decisions.
- The route to market under pressure – how geopolitics, regulation and the drive for scale are reshaping the business environment. From global supply chains to building consumer brands and scaling under regulatory scrutiny, our panel shares real stories of getting to market and growing when the ground keeps moving.
- Break and networking
- The GCs seat at the table panel – how GCs help protect, transform and grow the business. GCs from three very different businesses share how they bring the full picture to the board – shaping strategy, steering through change and protecting value when the pressure is on.
- The Boardroom – inside the decisions that matter. Senior business leaders take their seats around the table to work through the issues raised during the afternoon – from AI governance and geopolitical exposure to reputational risk. With Lewis Silkin partners advising alongside them, it's a rare chance to see how experienced boards weigh competing priorities and reach a decision.
- Looking ahead: the business of tomorrow. The world is changing faster than leaders can keep up. Drawing on two decades inside Google, Facebook, SpaceX and the UN, Dex explores how technology – and AI above all – is reshaping economies, work, power and society, and what leaders need to do now to shape a better future.
- The final word. We draw together the afternoon's key insights and what they mean for the decisions leaders face now.
- 17:30 - drinks and networking
Featured speakers
- Nick Barron - Managing Director, MHP Group
- Luke Tryl - UK Director, More in Common
- Troy Arnold - VP Geopolitical Relations, Nokia
- Ingrid Cope - Associate General Counsel, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Pavita Cooper - Chair, 30% Club
- Heather Blundell - UK CEO, Grayling
- Dex Hunter-Torricke - Founder, The Center for Tomorrow
- Alison Beveridge - Director of Legal, Compliance, Mulberry
- Candice Donnelly - Senior Group Counsel, IVC Evidensia UK
- Claire Sanders - Co-founder & Director, Being Human
- Fiona Howarth - Founder & Director, Octopus Electric Vehicles
- Mollie Stoker - General Counsel, Ocado
- Robin Carvell-Spedding - General Counsel, Protium
Alongside Lewis Silkin partners and specialists from across the firm's commercial and technology, data, privacy and cyber, corporate, IP, employment and disputes practices.
