Companies Are Appointing More First-Time Directors

Nearly half of Fortune 500 board seats went to first-time directors in 2021.

First-time directors are gaining in prominence, according to Board Monitor US 2022, a publication from executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. In fact, the report found that 43% of seats filled by Fortune 500 boards in 2021 went to individuals who were serving on their first board. 

Laryssa Topolnytsky, a partner with Heidrick & Struggles, says the record-level of first-time appointees is indicative of a business landscape that is willing to shift its definition of what makes an effective board and who makes an ideal board member. 

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Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes is managing editor of Directors & Boards.


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