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16 Jul 2025

Director skills for today's complex business environment

On the Board’s Agenda, July 2025

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From technology disruptions to shifting regulation priorities, corporate boardrooms are navigating a rapidly changing business environment. Against this backdrop, a recent analysis of Fortune 100 companies reveals distinct patterns in current board skills and backgrounds.
Globalized leadership

Almost all directors have leadership experience (90%), and the majority (63%) have skills in international business.

Potential skill gaps

The least common skills are related to mergers and acquisitions (31%) and information security (20%).

Risk skill premiums

Directors who are new to the board are more likely to have risk management skills (70%) compared to incumbents (60%).

This edition of On the Board's Agenda explores how board director skills vary, and considers how trends in leadership skills across the Fortune 100 could be shaping board refreshment strategies:

  • Overall most and least prevalent director skills 
  • Differences by leadership role, professional background, board committee 
  • How skill mixes are different for those who are new to the board
  • Refreshment strategy considerations

The patterns underscore how skill composition variations could improve the board’s ability to steer the organization. Read the full article for an in-depth look at how companies can leverage the skills of board directors to navigate an ever-evolving business environment.

How can boards leverage their directors’ current skill sets? And how could boards approach a skill refreshment strategy? Read the full article for a closer look.

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Christine Davine

Christine Davine

Managing partner, Center for Board Effectiveness | Deloitte & Touche LLP
+1 202 879 4905
Caroline Davis Schoenecker

Caroline Davis Schoenecker

Managing Director, Center for Board Effectiveness | Deloitte LLP
+571 388 7025
Elizabeth M. Molacek, PhD

Elizabeth M. Molacek, PhD

Senior Manager | Chief Executive Program
1 469 640 9282

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