Foreword.

Dear readers,

We are proud to present our first edition of Odgers Global Board Insights, Odgers quarterly thought-leadership briefing for Board Directors. Drawing on insights, trends and best practices from Odgers experts around the world, we hope to stimulate fresh thinking, informed discussion and practical solutions to pressing challenges facing non-executive directors (NEDs) globally.

This quarter’s briefing explores some of the major external threats that our clients are facing, and considers how Boards might better organise themselves internally in response. Five themes have dominated. On the threats side, our lead article, Is your Board equipped to handle a geopolitical crisis? examines how geopolitical risks can impact your company. Our experts suggest systematic ways to assess, prioritise and respond to those risks.

Another fast-growing external risk is cyber security. Artificial Intelligence has increased exponentially both the number and sophistication of cyberattacks. Companies are asking whether it’s now time to put a cyber expert on the Board. Our article, The search for a Cyber-NED, argues that doing so can work well, but only if the NED has developed a solid understanding of corporate strategy – and that is still rare.

For many, Board meetings don’t always feel very collegial. However, Odgers’ diagnostic tool might help identify the sticking points. It frames the teamworking challenge as a delicate balancing act between three interdependent but competing demands: ensuring open debate, seeking consensus and achieving efficiency. Every Board must find the balance that works best for them.

Finally, we detect early signs that companies are turning to the Board to find a new CEO. What might be driving this trend and what are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

We hope you will find some of these ideas useful whatever your business, and wherever you are located in the world. The Odgers team will be happy to discuss these with you.

Mark Freebairn

Head of Board & CFO Practice