Views from a Board Member and Active Investor

Key Takeaways:

• Most significant shifts in public company governance include expectations regarding: Board composition – i.e., skill levels and the balance of generalists and specialists; technology and the need for directors to stay ahead of emerging risks; and timely communication to and engagement with shareholders.
• Assessing director education and skill enhancement: The overall success of the company is the main indicator; adoption of leading practices and effective corporate communication suggest directors are staying educated.
• Solving tension points for dual investor/board member roles: Clear policies and procedures are essential to manage conflicts of interest, especially regarding time horizons and objectives.
• Benefits of active investors enhancing governance: Active investors can refresh board conversations, drive accountability, and foster value alignment through broad participation and routine evaluations.
• Generalist vs. specialist directors in the current environment: Future-focused directors need a wide range of overlapping experiences to ensure no single person dominates decision-making and to facilitate comprehensive checks and balances.