Shaping Boards That Drive Business Transformation
In an era of increased scrutiny, complexity, and disruption, corporate boards play a more critical role than ever in shaping strategy, managing risk, and ensuring sustainable growth. A high-performing board isn’t just a compliance necessity—it’s a strategic asset that sets the tone for leadership, governance, and long-term success.
Boards today serve as both strategic enablers and corporate stewards, ensuring organizations not only survive but thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. The stakes are higher than ever, and the right board composition, effectiveness, and advisory support can define a company’s success.
At Ward Howell, we work with organizations to build, assess, and optimize their boards for maximum effectiveness and strategic impact. Our approach is grounded in decades of boardroom experience, a deep understanding of corporate governance, and a global network of world-class board talent.
Our Board Services
1. Board Search: Building Boards That Lead
The right board members elevate decision-making, enhance governance, and ensure long-term sustainability. We go beyond traditional board searches, leveraging our global network and strategic insights to identify visionary leaders who bring fresh perspectives and measurable impact.
Our expertise includes:
- Chair & Board Leadership Appointments
Finding exceptional leaders who bring strategic oversight and governance excellence. - Independent & Non-Executive Director Search
Identifying high-caliber professionals who provide strategic value, industry expertise, and independent judgment. - Board Composition & Diversity Strategies
Ensuring broad skillsets, diverse perspectives, and global viewpoints to enhance board effectiveness. - Succession Planning for the Board & C-Suite
Mapping leadership pipelines to ensure stability and long-term performance.
Why It Matters:
Boards must be more than just compliant—they must be future-ready. With increasing shareholder activism, ESG mandates, and governance shifts, we ensure your board is equipped to meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.
2. Board Effectiveness: Elevating Performance & Impact
An effective board isn’t just a collection of leaders—it’s a dynamic, high-performing team that drives value creation. We work closely with boards to assess, optimize, and enhance their collective impact, ensuring clarity of purpose, strategic alignment, and governance excellence.
Our Board Effectiveness Services Include:
- Board Evaluations & Performance Reviews
Conducting structured assessments of board and committee effectiveness, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. - Governance & Compliance Advisory
Strengthening governance frameworks to align with regulatory changes, best practices, and stakeholder expectations. - Board Culture & Decision-Making Dynamics
Enhancing board cohesion, ensuring transparency, trust, and high-impact collaboration. - Stakeholder Engagement & Shareholder RelationsHelping boards navigate investor expectations, ESG disclosures, and public accountability.
Why It Matters:
A high-functioning board is a strategic asset. By optimizing governance structures, decision-making processes, and leadership impact, we help boards go beyond oversight—to drive business transformation.
3. Board Advisory: Strategic Insight for Boardroom Excellence
The modern boardroom is facing unprecedented complexity—from regulatory pressures to technological disruption and ESG mandates. Our board advisory services provide independent, actionable guidance to help organizations navigate uncertainty and seize opportunity.
Our Advisory Expertise Covers:
- Corporate Strategy & Risk Management
Ensuring boards effectively anticipate and mitigate emerging risks while driving strategic growth. - ESG & Sustainability Governance
Helping boards integrate sustainability, climate action, and corporate responsibility into strategic decision-making. - Activist Defense & Crisis Management
Advising boards on shareholder activism, crisis response, and corporate restructuring. - Board Readiness for AI & Digital Transformation
Ensuring boards grasp technological shifts and drive innovation at scale.
Why It Matters:
Boards today must be proactive, not reactive. By staying ahead of market shifts, leveraging technology, and embedding strong governance principles, we help organizations thrive in times of disruption.
Our advisors, many of whom are former board members, CEOs, and governance experts, bring practical, battle-tested insights to help organizations future-proof their leadership.
Shaping the Future of Board Leadership
The best boards don’t just manage governance—they shape the future. Whether you’re building a new board, strengthening governance, or preparing for strategic shifts, Ward Howell helps you architect a board that leads with confidence and impact.
Let’s shape the future of your boardroom—together.
Partner
Bernd Prasuhn
Chairman of the Global Board
NATALIE BAIRAKTARIDIS
Managing Partner
LUIGI MANCIOPPI
Partner & Chairman Italy
Matt Clemens
Managing Partner
Judit Kollesch
Partner
IGOR KABUZENKO
Managing Partner
ALI AGA
Managing Partner
Oyvind Bo
PARTNER
MICHAEL A. TAPPAN
PARTNER
William Potvin
Advisory Partner
Annemarie de Bourbon de Parme
Partner
Franz Heimel
PARTNER (ADVISORY)
Megan Cook
Director
Dana Tomkovicz
Director
