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.

  • Dr. Tiemo Kracht
    Germany

    Dr. Tiemo Kracht is Associate Partner and Country Manager in Germany and Managing Partner and CEO of Board Connect GmbH. With nearly 25 years of experience in executive search in Germany, Dr. Kracht has established himself as a trusted advisor to organisations across various industries. Following his academic career in Germany, the USA, and Slovakia, as well as professional and leadership roles in the private and public sectors, Dr. Kracht transitioned into executive search in 1995. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated closely with family businesses and owners, supervisory, administrative, and advisory boards, as well as boards of directors and managing directors to fill executive and leadership positions.

    Dr. Kracht has also conducted insightful management audits and has successfully overseen more than 1,600 cross-industry placement processes at the executive level and in upper management.

    His expertise spans various industries, including Financial Services and Real Estate, the Public Sector, Family-owned and medium-sized businesses, and Industry. His functional expertise includes placing supervisory board members, members of the board / C-level functions, and managing directors.

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  • Daniel Albrecht
    Germany

    Daniel Albrecht is an Associate Partner of Selion Global in Germany and Director in the Hamburg office of Board Connect GmbH, specialising in Executive Search, Management Assessment, and Board Advisory services. With a decade of professional experience in the technology sector, spanning semiconductors, bio/MedTech, and security technology, Daniel Albrecht brings a deep understanding of the industry to his clients. As a trusted advisor, he partners with national and international companies to identify and recruit top executives, managers, and senior-level experts.

    Additionally, he conducts management audits and assessments to evaluate executive performance. As part of the Board Advisory Team, Daniel Albrecht supports boards of directors and supervisory boards in corporate governance matters, including board evaluations, benchmark studies, and market analyses of executive and supervisory board compensation models.

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  • Professor Dr Nigel Nicholson
    United Kingdom

    Professor Dr Nigel Nicholson, a distinguished thought leader and Emeritus Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, has been a faculty member since 1990. His distinctive approach, blending academic rigour with practical insight, has established him as a trusted advisor and confidant to leaders across the globe and as a beacon of knowledge with a far-reaching impact.

    Professor Nicholson focuses on the psychology of organisational and family business complexities, leadership, and financial decision-making, and his work has yielded numerous publications and awards. His seminal works, including "Traders: Risks, Decisions and Management in Financial Markets" and "Family Wars," have reshaped the understanding of leadership and organisational dynamics. 

    Throughout his illustrious career, Nigel has held various leadership positions at London Business School, including Chairman of the Organisational Behaviour department, Research Dean, and Deputy Dean. He has also been a visiting professor at prestigious institutions worldwide, sharing his expertise with a global audience.

    As a consultant and advisor, Nigel has not only worked with various clients, from family businesses to Fortune 500 companies and governments to non-profit organisation, but also serves as a mentor and coach. His unique ability to connect the dots between theory and practice has made him a sought-after mentor to C-suite executives and political leaders, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

    Nigel's groundbreaking work in applying evolutionary theory to business and management has been widely acclaimed. He has designed and directed several executive programs, including the renowned Proteus Programme at London Business School, which has empowered leaders to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success.

    With his unwavering commitment to excellence and his hopeful passion for developing future generations of leaders, Nigel remains a highly respected and influential voice in the global business community, instilling hope for a brighter future of leadership and reassuring the audience of his unwavering expertise.

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  • Esben Poulsson
    Singapore

    Esben Poulsson is Senior Advisor at Selion Global. He contributes his expertise to several boards, both in the Asia Pacific region and the Nordics. He is the Executive Chairman of ENESEL PTE. LTD. (Singapore) and non-executive Chairman of Cambiaso Risso Asia Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) and Tamar Shipmanagement Ltd. (Hong Kong).

    He also holds Non-Executive Directorships for X-Press Feeders Ltd., (Singapore), Nordic Shipholding A/S, (Copenhagen), Batchfire Resources Pty. Ltd., (Brisbane), Epic Gas Ltd., (Singapore) and Finnlines PLc., (Helsinki).

    On the institutional and policy-making level, Esben serves on the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) board. He is the former Chairman of the London-based International Chamber of Shipping and the immediate past President (2019) of the Singapore Shipping Association. He is an Advisory Panel member of the Singapore Maritime Foundation.

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