Board Composition & Succession
Effective board composition and succession planning require more than experience alone. NACD members gain access to practical guidance, research, and peer-driven insights that support thoughtful board renewal and leadership continuity.
Governance Surveys
Directorship Magazine
Elevating Board Performance Through Composition and Succession
Board composition and succession planning are central to sustained board effectiveness. NACD membership offers directors access to exclusive research and expert perspectives that elevate how boards approach recruitment, optimization, and leadership succession in an increasingly complex governance environment.
Featured
2025-2026 Director Compensation Report
Access insights from the report to understand how governance expectations are being formalized through board structure and leadership design. NACD members see benchmarking that reveals how most boards differentiate committee responsibilities, apply leadership premiums that can exceed one-third of a director’s total pay, and use these structures to support effective oversight and leadership continuity—context that is difficult to assess without comprehensive market data.
Director Essential: Director Recruitment
Nominating committees face increasing pressure to anticipate, not just respond to, boardroom needs. NACD’s Director Recruitment guidance examines how committees can formalize recruitment as an ongoing governance discipline, informed by skills assessment, succession planning, and market awareness. The resource provides context for aligning director selection with enterprise priorities and reinforcing continuity as governance expectations continue to expand.
The Essentials
Succession Planning for Board and Committee Leaders
For nominating committees, building a resilient leadership pipeline is central to fulfilling fiduciary and strategic responsibilities. NACD’s resource on succession planning breaks succession into actionable steps from assigning accountability, to fostering developmental opportunities for potential board and committee chairs. This resource equips committees to align leadership planning with organizational priorities and evolving board expectations.
The Next Generation in the Boardroom
How do next-gen directors influence board effectiveness and culture? Caroline Tsay and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss the skills, perspectives, and leadership qualities that shape modern boards. Nonmembers will learn how thoughtful director selection, succession planning, and fresh perspectives help boards stay agile, engaged, and prepared for the year ahead.
NACD Directors Summit™ 2026
See how leading boards are preparing for succession, renewal, and evolving leadership expectations. The Directors Summit brings together directors to discuss best practices in board composition, share real-world experiences, and explore strategies for aligning leadership pipelines with governance priorities. Don’t miss the chance to benchmark your board’s approach and accelerate readiness.
Leading Minds
Nominating committees and board leaders are navigating a governance landscape transformed by technology and risk complexity. Leading Minds of Governance & Tech delivers concentrated learning on subjects such as digital trust, compensation strategy in tech-driven markets, and emerging regulatory trends. This event equips directors with peer-tested strategies and expert insights to elevate board practice and strengthen oversight of technology-related governance responsibilities.
Reimagining Governance Basics Amid a New Normal
As boards face rapid change and heightened governance demands, it’s critical to approach composition, processes, and culture strategically. This article includes perspectives from Deloitte experts and highlights how leading directors refresh board skills, refine agendas, and strengthen oversight. Access the full article with NACD membership to learn actionable approaches that help boards stay effective, resilient, and prepared for evolving challenges.
NACD Master Class®: Technology & Innovation Oversight
Board leaders are tasked with guiding organizations through a landscape where digital disruption, AI, and innovation constantly reshape strategic imperatives. NACD’s Master Class® equips directors with peer-tested strategies and expert perspectives on anchoring technology oversight within broader governance practice. This immersive program supports boards in developing a shared understanding of technology risks, opportunities, and effective oversight practices.
Key Insights
-
Online Article
-
-
-
-
-
Governance Resources
Read Our Newest Articles
-
Online Exclusive
What It Means to Be a US Board Member Today
From a shifting world order to a looming technological revolution, the job of a director has become increasingly complex. -
Online Exclusive
Are We in an AI Bubble? Here’s How Directors Can Prepare
As the AI debate continues, NACD members say boards must be ready for both a potential shakeout and long-term transformation. -
Online Exclusive
Why Boards Need Collective Cybersecurity Literacy
Rather than relying on one cybersecurity expert, boards should build a shared understanding of cyber risk to govern it effectively. -
Online Exclusive
How to Balance Long-term Incentives After an Acquisition
Here's how compensation committees can review and adjust performance-based LTI goals after an acquisition to align incentives and drive value in both small and large deals. -
Online Exclusive
Assessing Future-Ready Leaders: An Interview with Mark McClain
Hear an experienced director’s perspective on why boards must rethink succession planning and leadership evaluation in an era defined by disruption and rapid change. -
Talent Management
Tapping Into Generation Z Talent
What companies can do to attract and retain Generation Z talent.
This feature is for members only.
This feature is for members only.
Stay Connected
Unlock additional NACD resources and elevate your board expertise—explore membership today.