Non-Executive Directors (NED)
Moon Executive Search handle Board appointments for Executive and Non-Executive roles.
We regularly get asked for expert advice and guidance on the Non-Executive marketplace, as well working with Executives seeking either their first NED role or seeking to extend their portfolio.
The demand for non-executive directors has increased in recent years, and so has the need for business leaders to transition to non-executive roles or as NED and trustee positions offer attractive professional development opportunities.
The non-execs challenge, question and monitor the CEO and senior management; they bring an independent perspective to decision-making; they hold senior management to account; they also support and mentor the CEO and senior management. Here we look at why our clients hire a Non-Exec, trends in the marketplace, the typical background to hiring a Non-Exec, and what crucial skills a Non-Exec should bring to the Board.
We are also pleased to showcase the Non-Exec’s that we are currently representing.
Why do our clients recruit a Non-Executive?
The reasons for Non-Exec recruitment are varied;a business may be seeking to strengthen their general Board skills or in readiness for some specific corporate activity such as an IPO.
Alternatively, the business may wish to refocus their strategic plans or seek challenge and intervention from an external Director to counter the danger of ‘Group Think’.
Interestingly, our Clients also sometimes seek specific sector experience or relevant knowledge of a supply chain. Of course, as Non-Exec Directors are typically appointed for a fixed term, a gap may be created on the Board by the end of the official tenure, paving the way for new skills or experience to be added to the Board.
Current Trends
The Non-Exec market current trends are that there are more candidates than roles, clients are more risk averse when appointing and economic factors, such as Brexit and COVID-19, have created a degree of volatility and uncertainty. Few roles are advertised, Governance and clear understanding of your legal and fiduciary responsibilities is most important.
https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/strategy/governance/non-executive-directors
Our selection Process
It is important to check what a Non-Executive will bring to the role and this becomes part of our selection process at Moon Executive Search. Depending on the role profile and key reasons for looking to appoint a Non-Exec, we look for relevant technical skills, committee and / or professional body membership, as well as a successful executive career. Strong advisor relationships and understanding of Governance/ regulatory environment are also important to highlight.
If you are considering pursuing a Non-Executive role or portfolio career, our recommendation is to produce professional marketing material such as a CV or a one-page biography.
If it is your first Non-Exec role, then perhaps consider flexibility on rates or location. Make sure you are up to date with the latest industry news and regulations in your chosen sector and be sure that you fully understand your legal responsibilities. Never, ever look to take on a Non-Exec role simply for monetary gain – this is to misunderstand the role. It is far better to look at the Board dynamics and ask yourself – what can I add to the discussion?
Where to search
Talk to Moon! We are close to business owners and the advisory community –Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Houses and Banks can be crucial refers.
Recent completed campaigns:
Chair - Listed PLC
Non-Exec– Retail Consultancy
Non-Exec – Family owned Food group
Non-Exec – Listed PLC
Non-Exec – Luxury Fashion retailer
Non-Exec – fast growth Professional services
Non-Exec – environmental consultancy
Non-Exec – Private Equity backed B2B software
Chair – Private Equity backed Engineering group
Non-Executive Profiles
PLC board director Finance Background
A value led, strategic business leader who combines commercial acumen with a focus on customer service and people development. A PLC Board Director with a strong record of building high performing teams, stakeholder management and successfully delivering financial results in growing and dynamic businesses. With experience of operating internationally, delivering change programmes, M&A, including business integration and transformation and successfully raising debt and equity funding.
FTSE 250 NED
A commercially focused director with strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a track record of high achievement and a broad base of experience covering plc board and committee operation, M&A, complex contracts, major bid leadership, equity and debt finance raising, strategic planning, commercial negotiation, financial analysis and reporting, governance and team leadership. Has experience with a large range of sectors including support services, retail, energy, construction, defence, and central and local government. Commercially focused with a passion for responsible business practice and inclusive leadership.
Managing Partner, experienced chair
A resilient and committed leader with strong communication skills, a real interest in people and an ability to deal with sensitive situations and changing social and economic environments. Having led both commercial and charitable organisations in a variety of regulated sectors, respects the different between executive authority and the responsibilities of a non-executive director/trustee/chair. Possessing a good sense of humour but confident in confronting difficult issues and bias.
NED specialising in SMEs & growing business strategies
High profile senior level Non-Executive with experience in the Housing, Education, Creative and Media sectors. Brings experience in developing and overseeing strategy, governance within complex organisations and challenging and supporting executive teams to transform performance. With a UK wide remit, their profile includes being Non-Exec Director of several leading UK organisations, Governor for a £multimillion turnover leading University, NED of a leading media company and NED for a £150m Housing and Care group.
Non-Exec Guides
If you are considering being a non-exec or want to know what to look for when hiring for non-execs, then download our guides.