A fleeting moment and anything can change. We often think we have control of what is next, but often we are surprised, confused and found in a place for which we are not ready. There you are, in your executive role, with all indicators that you are performing, its working and everyone, including the board… Read More

This primer is applicable to mid-market companies across several industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, retail and financial services. For mid-market companies, the average board encompasses nine directors with approximately 80% of those being independent directors. There is a direct correlation between the size (revenues) of a company and board director compensation. For purposes… Read More

Obsolescence should not be feared. While it signals the end of something familiar, it welcomes a new way forward. We have reached this crossroads with retained executive search. It is obsolete. Today, the retained executive search process is costly. Frequently, after lengthy recruiting processes, retained searches deliver new board members who fit poorly with the… Read More

In last week’s post, Investor Expectations – Boards of Directors, I began to examine what investors expect from their boards of directors where they invest.  I dove into investor trends, shareholder activism, board skill requirements and board diversity. Expanding on last week’s post, this week I will dive further into what investors expect from their… Read More

Although investor activism campaigns are on the rise, it is not just the activist investors who have become more vocal.  In fact, investors in general are becoming increasingly vocal about their expectations of boards of directors.  So, what are the current investor expectations of the boards of directors where they invest? How do investors evaluate… Read More

What is an activist investor and why is everybody talking about activist investors in the Boardroom?   We are all aware of one well-known activist investor, Carl Icahn, who has attempted major changes at a host of name-brand companies. My clients are seeking clarity about the activist investors’ role; the pros, cons and what’s on the… Read More

As we continue to examine the ingredients of a successful board of directors, another ingredient, board culture is tantamount to a board’s success. Board culture affects decision-making and the directors’ relationship with management, impacting their ability to advise executive management and provide the necessary oversight. Because of this, a board needs to understand its culture,… Read More

Earlier this month, I shared insights into what is happening in the arena of board refreshment, particularly in the areas of the latest trends and succession. In this second part of understanding board refreshment, we will look at how the needle is moving in board room diversity and what companies are looking for in new… Read More

In an earlier post, Navigating Board Timing, I shared insights into how most corporate boards, particularly publicly traded, go about appointing new directors to their board. Although it is not an exact science, it is a pretty solid view into how it works in alignment with proxy season.  So, what is happening in the world… Read More

This has quite possibly been the most hectic, unpredictable and surprising season for board succession that I have experienced, since representing our first independent director client, Lou Testoni, close to nine years ago. While I typically rely on the premise of introducing our client to a potential board opportunity six to nine months before proxy,… Read More