On the 2025 nom/gov committee agenda

Every year the expectations for the board are raised, and 2025 will be a year of challenge and change. Boards must have the skills and experience to oversee the company’s strategy amid post-inauguration policy shifts, geopolitical conflicts, economic fluctuations, developments in technology, climate risk, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and numerous implications of a changing workforce, all amid heavy scrutiny by investors and other stakeholders.

The board will need the talent, structure, and processes to stay on top of it all. Nominating and governance (nom/gov) committees have their work cut out for them, recalibrating to ensure that the board has the right skills and that oversight is efficient yet comprehensive. Working with other board leaders, nom/gov committee chairs should strive to establish a board mindset that embraces change, continuous learning, and a firm commitment to board service. 

Drawing on insights from our latest research and interactions with directors and business leaders, we highlight six issues to keep in mind as nom/gov committees consider and carry out their 2025 agendas.

• Ensure that board composition and skill sets are keeping pace as the business environment changes.
• Reconsider board processes to improve efficiency.
• Set the stage for a board culture that embraces change, continuous education, constructive skepticism, and service above self.
• Determine the appropriate board committee structure for overseeing emerging issues based on the company’s unique circumstances.
• Ensure that the board and management are aligned on the company’s sustainability strategies and risks.
• Communicate with—and understand the views of—the company’s key investors.