Non-Executive & Board

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Leadership: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Non-Executive Directors and Board Members must evolve to lead with purpose in today's fast-paced and interconnected world.

Disruption is the new norm, and the role of Non-Executive Directors and Board Members has never been more critical. As the pace of technological, social, and economic change accelerates, boards must navigate uncharted territory to ensure their organisations remain relevant, resilient, and responsible.

Today's boards face a daunting array of challenges, from harnessing the power of digital transformation to fostering cultures of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They must balance the need for innovation and growth with the imperative for sustainability and social impact. And they must do so in an environment of increasing complexity, where geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny, and stakeholder expectations are constantly evolving.

In this new era of governance, Non-Executive Directors and Board Members have to be more than just custodians of the status quo. They need to be agents of change, providing strategic guidance, challenging assumptions, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.

The pillars, including the latest demands

  • Increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations

  • Heightened scrutiny from stakeholders, regulators, and investors

  • Rapid technological advancements and digital transformation

  • Globalisation and cross-cultural collaboration

  • Growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Future Trends

  • Greater emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility

  • Integration of technology and digital expertise in the boardroom

  • More diverse and international boards

  • Increased focus on risk management and cybersecurity

  • Growing demand for Non-Executive Directors with expertise in innovation and disruption

Associated Roles

  • Chairs and Committee Members

  • Independent Directors

  • Board Advisors and Consultants

  • CEOs and Executive Leaders

Requirements for Success

  • Strategic thinking and vision

  • Strong communication and influencing skills

  • Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity

  • Cultural competence and adaptability

  • Integrity, independence, and objectivity

  • Continuous learning and professional development

Thriving in the Role

  • Embrace lifelong learning and stay up-to-date with market trends and best practices

  • Foster a culture of openness, trust, and constructive debate

  • Leverage diverse perspectives and experiences to drive informed decision-making

  • Balance strategic guidance with operational oversight

  • Embody the highest standards of governance, ethics, and integrity

Our Non-Executive & Board Practice plays a crucial role in empowering organisations in this dynamic environment. We are dedicated to identifying, assessing, and developing exceptional leaders who can navigate the complexities of the boardroom and drive sustainable success. By combining our expertise in executive search and board consulting, we enable organisations to build high-performing boards and leadership teams that thrive in today's fast-paced and interconnected world.

  • Thomas W. Hofer
    South East Asia / Singapore / China

    Thomas Hofer is a Founder and Global Managing Partner of Selion Global, a globally renowned professional services firm in leadership consulting, board advisory and executive search. With decades of extensive experience at the board and senior management levels, Thomas brings a high-level insider perspective to his work. He is highly accomplished in executive search, board consulting, succession planning, and strategic executive talent advisory.

    Thomas has established a reputation for partnering with clients with integrity, agility, discretion, and dedication, fostering enduring relationships with senior management executives and industry insiders worldwide. With a broad span of experience across multiple industries, he is committed to advising clients on informed leadership choices, empowering talented professionals to assume pivotal roles, and guiding them toward insightful decisions that drive success.

    As a former Commanding Officer of a regiment, Thomas brings extensive leadership and management experience, having led four battalions and 2,500 military personnel. He also has a lifelong interest in sports, having voluntarily served as Team Manager of the Swiss National Elite Rowing Team and participated in the World Cup and World Championships during two Olympic Cycles.

    Thomas is passionate about giving back to the community, having served as the Chair of a charity supporting families and children in underprivileged areas and as a Board Member of a Swiss-Indian foundation building schools for slum children. He is a Freeman of the City of London and enjoys visiting his favourite city often.

    As a seasoned professional, Thomas believes in supporting tomorrow's leaders through pro bono mentoring and sharing his expertise. He embraces a philosophy of continuous growth, seeking answers, and unlocking potential. This approach underpins his commitment to delivering exceptional results and making a positive impact in the world of leadership consulting and executive search.

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  • Cecile Hofer
    South East Asia / Singapore / United Kingdom

    Cecile Hofer is a Founder and Global Managing Partner of Selion Global. With a storied career spanning decades and continents, Cecile has established herself as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, boards, and investors seeking to future-proof their organisations.

    A seasoned management consultant with a profound understanding of the intricacies of human capital, Cecile has cultivated her expertise in C-suite appointments, advisory, and strategic guidance for mid-sized and large corporations, family-owned enterprises, and venture capitalists worldwide. Her extensive experience in board and leadership consulting services has equipped her with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by senior leaders, allowing her to distil complexity into clarity and connect the dots between people, purpose, and profit.

    Cecile's areas of expertise include building and enhancing boards, succession planning, culture and diversity hiring expertise, and senior talent management across various industries. Her ability to identify and develop top talent, advise on strategic leadership initiatives, and foster effective boards and executive teams has earned her a reputation as a trusted confidante to senior leaders.

    Through her leadership, Selion Global Retreats brings together distinguished experts, boards, and business leaders to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration. Her passion for empowering leadership excellence extends beyond her professional pursuits, as she finds inspiration in sports and photography, embracing a philosophy of dynamic living and fostering meaningful connections that resonate

    Cecile has built a reputation as a leader who can navigate complexity, drive results, and inspire others to do the same. Her distinctive strength lies in her ability to discern patterns, connect the dots, and unlock the potential of individuals and organisations alike, fostering sustainable growth and transformation.

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  • Ravindra Bhide
    India

    Ravindra Bhide is the Managing Partner and Country Manager of Selion Global India. With decades of professional experience, Ravindra brings a wealth of expertise to his role, having worked with top-tier clients across the automotive, process industry, and chemicals sectors.

    Ravindra's career has been marked by senior leadership roles in prominent global organisations, including Korn Ferry International, where he served as a Senior Partner and developed his expertise in leadership search and talent management. His extensive experience working in Europe, including a decade in Switzerland with Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Headquarters), has given him a unique global perspective that he brings to every project.

    Throughout his career, Ravindra has demonstrated a proven track record in leading global search assignments and consulting projects for top-tier clients. His expertise spans executive search and leadership assessment, coaching and mentoring, talent management and development, and change management and ERP implementation support.

    As Managing Partner and Country Manager of Selion Global India, Ravindra spearheads the firm's presence in India, bringing his expertise and network to bear in supporting clients in the region and beyond. He is passionate about teaching, coaching, and development and maintains strong connections with his alma mater and various business schools.

    Ravindra's academic background includes a Bachelor's in Commerce/Accounting and a Master's in Management Studies (Finance) from SPJIMR, University of Mumbai. He is also a Fellow of India's Institute of Cost and Management Accountants. 

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  • Jutta Mejlby
    Denmark

    Jutta Mejlby is the Managing Partner and Country Manager at Selion Global Denmark, bringing almost 20 years of experience, including ten years of international experience in Asia and the US. She is renowned for her deep understanding of the recruitment landscape and strategic methodology for securing top candidates. Jutta's results-oriented approach and skill in handling significant and complex hires have solidified her reputation in the search field. 

    Jutta is results-oriented and committed to excellence, enhancing client and candidate management across various industries. She is known for her passion, professionalism, and dedication to delivering high quality at every step of the process. With extensive insight and a deep cultural understanding, Jutta is an ideal advisor for organisations with ambitious goals.

    Throughout her career, Jutta has worked with several global executive search companies, starting in Asia, where she played a crucial role in sourcing senior-level positions for major international clients across diverse industries. She has a proven track record of managing high-impact recruitment projects, with experience spanning from local to global searches.

    Jutta's expertise also includes working in talent acquisition for larger international companies undergoing transformations.

    She has experience across various industries, including Technology & Digital, Financial Services, FMCG, Shipping & Logistics & Industrial, consistently delivering excellent results in complex searches.

    In addition to her professional achievements, Jutta is dedicated to volunteer work. Since 2022, she has served as a Regional Manager of Make-A-Wish Denmark, overseeing activities and the region's volunteers. Her contributions extend further, as she has also led and placed several board positions.

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  • Markus Gfeller
    Japan

    Markus Gfeller is Associate Partner and Country Manager of Selion Global Japan and the Managing Partner of G&S Japan K.K., a leading corporate consulting and retained executive search firm dedicated to supporting European businesses in Japan.

    As a seasoned executive with over 27 years of experience in Japan, Markus has built a distinguished career in international corporate finance, change management, and executive search. His expertise spans from his early days in banking with Credit Suisse to his tenure with BayernLB, where he honed his skills in international corporate finance with a strong focus on Asia.

    Markus's passion for Japan has led him to become fluent in Japanese, enabling him to navigate the complex business landscape with ease. He has taken on various leadership roles, including Managing Director and President positions at HARTING and KABA, where he drove change management initiatives. In 2009, he joined G&S Japan K.K. as Senior Partner and later became the Managing Partner, leading the firm's expansion and growth in Japan.

    Under his leadership, G&S Japan K.K. has become a trusted partner to multinational corporations, providing expert guidance in executive search, market entry, expansion, and change management. Markus's extensive network, cultural understanding, and business acumen make him a highly respected advisor to companies navigating the complex Japanese market.

    Professional Associations:

    • Member of German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (GCCIJ), Tokyo

    • Member of Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ), Tokyo

    • Member of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICCJ), Tokyo

    • Member of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ), Tokyo

    • Member of the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Japan (FCCJ), Tokyo

    • Member of the Tokyo American Club (TAC), Tokyo

    Others:

    • Former Vice President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan

    • President of the Section of Education of the Swiss Club Tokyo

     

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  • Professor Peter Verhezen
    Singapore

    Peter Verhezen is a Specialist in Board and Leadership practice.

    As a globally recognised strategist, educator, and consultant, he brings expertise in emerging markets, corporate governance, and sustainability to his work.

    As a Professor at the University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School, Peter shares his insights with future leaders, drawing from his extensive experience advising top management and boards across the Asia Pacific region. He leverages his expertise to advise clients on risk management, digital strategy, and sustainability, having previously served as a Consultant at IBM, and a Senior Advisor to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) - World Bank Group. He was the co-founder and CEO of an ICT company for over 15 years in Southeast Asia, Cimad Pacific, till sold to one of the big consulting companies.

    Peter has held various academic positions throughout his career, including Professor of Global Corporate Governance, Ethical Leadership, and Risk Management at Melbourne Business School, an award-winning Professor in Global Governance at the University of Melbourne, Research Fellow for Governance at Harvard Kennedy School, and Adjunct Professor of Strategy at Vlerick Business School and Hong Kong University, and UGM in Indonesia. He has coached top executives and boards in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Jakarta and has been a guest speaker at esteemed institutions worldwide.

    Peter's thought leadership is reflected in his publications, including several books on corporate governance, leadership, and responsible decision-making in the age of artificial intelligence. His unique blend of academic rigour, consulting expertise, and leadership experience makes him a sought-after advisor and thought leader in his field.

    Areas of Expertise

    ·         Non-Executive & Board Performance
    ·         Sustainability, ESG Measurements & Investments
    ·         Digitization & Artificial Intelligence

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