Board Search

Board Search based on deep governance and strategic understanding

Effective and high-quality Board Search requires clear awareness within both the ownership group and management regarding the company's governance (corporate structure) and strategic foundation. Understanding the ownership and how it is intended to be exercised, along with insight into the company’s strategy, challenges, and potential, forms the basis for defining the requirements for the board, both collectively and individually. Based on this, the board composition must always be balanced in terms of ownership, competencies, and diversity, tailored to the specific situation.

We have extensive experience in Executive Search, complemented by leading expertise in governance, including the development of frameworks for active ownership and value-creating boards. We bring together the best of both worlds: governance and search. Our governance partners have over 20 years of experience in board development, including educating thousands of board members, conducting more than 100 board evaluations, and mapping board competencies.

The Board Search Process

The need to appoint, or the desire to appoint, a new board member, or several, can arise from various situations. This might include replacing a member due to natural turnover, a shift in season or strategy that requires new skills and experience on the board, or a change in ownership that alters the board’s role. Similarly, a board evaluation with systematic competency mapping might reveal a need to strengthen the board with new capabilities.

We always begin the Board Search process with a thorough discussion of the company’s governance and strategic context. This includes clarifying the role and function of the board in the intersection between ownership and daily management. We listen closely and interpret the company’s needs as articulated by the leadership (owner and/or chairperson). If necessary, we assist in clarifying and adjusting the board structure and subsequently identifying the specific need for new board members. In this phase, we are not just passive facilitators; we are equipped to challenge and help our clients create the optimal governance setup. This includes applying effective methods for board competency mapping.

The candidate profile, based on the ownership structure and strategic context, will include clearly defined requirements for:

• Board and executive experience
• Industry knowledge and understanding
• Professional competencies (e.g., strategic and business insight, digital skills, sustainability expertise, financial understanding, international experience, etc.)
• Leadership style and personal attributes

These requirements are balanced with considerations for necessary or desired diversity, as well as potential representation of ownership on the board.

From our extensive experience with both Executive and Board Search, we have developed sharp and effective search processes, supported by a strong database of qualified board candidates. We always present a relevant shortlist—typically three candidates—to the owner and/or board chair within 30 days.

Follow-Up

Through our experienced governance partners, we can, as needed, support the development and execution of onboarding and training programs for new board members. We are also able to conduct ongoing board evaluations.