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.

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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