About the Book
Hardly a month goes by without news of a high‑profile corporate failure that raises the question of the role of the board. Why do boards of directors find it so difficult to steer the company and its management team? Topics such as digitalization, cybersecurity, AI, and sustainability have taken center stage, while multiple crises and the new geopolitical environment are forcing firms to operate in highly turbulent environments.
Illustrated with real‑life examples from interviews with board chairs, board members, CEOs, executives, and investors, The Next Board provides unique insights on how boards can master the dual challenge of implementing the best practices of today while futureproofing an organization for the emerging challenges of tomorrow. Through the lens of the “board diamond” – purpose, people, structures and processes, leadership, and performance evaluation – this book introduces the building blocks that are central to implementing best practice. Furthermore, it provides a practical framework to configure them differently depending on the context of the company. These practices are brought to life with case studies and interviews with directors from some of the most successful firms from across the globe, including ABB, ASML, Avnet, Bertelsmann, Engie, Ericsson, IBM, Inditex, Kellogg, McKesson, Nestlé, Nokia, Novartis, Paypal, Santander, Target, and UPS.
This book provides directors, board chairs, CEOs, senior executives, and C‑suite managers, who are preparing for future board assignments, with tangible advice on how to develop their boards and how to succeed as directors.
Table of Contents:
Introduction, Part I: Boards’ struggle between the challenges of today and tomorrow, 1. The dual challenge of the modern board 2: Dealing with the dual challenge of the board: the board diamond, Part II: Key building blocks of effective boards, 3. Board purpose and the roles of the board, 4. Who should be on the board: people, roles, and personalities, 5: Structures and processes in modern boards, 6. Leading the board: the board chair or lead independent director, 7. Board evaluation and development, Part III: One size does not fit all: adapting boards for different contexts, 8. Board design for private versus publicly listed corporations, 9. Board design in different strategic situations, 10. Board design and the institutional environment, Part IV: Envisioning the future of governance, 11: Making boards efficient, agile, and resilient to disruption
About the Author :
Thomas Keil is a professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he teaches strategy and international management, and partner at The Next Advisors.
Marianna Zangrillo is a corporate leader, business angel, investor, author, and partner at The Next Advisors.
Review :
“The Next Board is a practical tool for effective board service grounded in industry leaders' insights to help aspiring and existing board members.” Rod Adkins, board member at United Parcel Service (UPS), PayPal, Grainger, and Avnet
“The Next Board is an incredible book. Given the chaos and uncertainty in the world today, it is also more timely than ever. The insights support the board’s forward thinking. As such it helps businesses to look through the ‘drama’ of the day to the future to enhance ability to build ongoing, sustainable success.” Kathleen Bailey-Lord, chair at ed-tech company Janison and member of the board at Datacom, AMP and St Vincents
"Many interesting best practice examples from modern boards providing practical hands-on guidance for Board Chairs, Board Members and CEOs. Based on my own experience, a very worthwhile read." Pius Baschera, experienced board member and former board chair of Hilti
“The authors have covered the wide range of challenges facing boards across differing geographies, industries, scales, and ownership structures in a way that provides insights and questions to consider for any director or senior member of management. And they have brought the text alive with the direct thoughts of a diverse groups of experienced directors.” Jeff Campbell, former vice chairman and CFO of American Express, former CFO of McKesson and American Airlines, and current director at AON plc, Marathon Petroleum Corp., and Hexcel Corp
“The Next Board provides practical insights into how to build boards that can handle the increased workloads most boards face while not losing sight of the future. A valuable support for modern boards and a must read.” Ian Carter, board chair of Watches of Switzerland plc
"The Next Board is a very useful read for anyone involved in modern corporate governance. Thomas Keil and Marianna Zangrillo provide a comprehensive framework to navigate the complexities of today's board responsibilities, offering practical insights and strategies to build effective, future-ready boards. As someone who has witnessed the evolving challenges in boardrooms firsthand, I found this book to be a very valuable resource for board members and executives alike." Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, chair of French energy company Engie and director of Airbus and TE Connectivity
“Boards today are operating in an environment marked by economic fluctuations and policy shifts. The pace of change is overwhelming, and the expansion of scope is irreversible.
The Next Board is an essential resource for navigating the expanded responsibilities of today’s boards. Based on interviews with over 100 experienced board members and enriched with real-world examples and insights, this book offers actionable frameworks to address challenges such as enhanced oversight duties, strategic involvement, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. It uniquely emphasizes the differences across various corporate holding structures, providing tailored guidance for diverse boardroom contexts. The book can serve as a foundational resource, complementing other tools to navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape.” Xiaoqun Clever-Steg, director at multiple international corporations
“This book helps understanding the boards of today. It provides practical advice how to navigate its increasingly complex challenges. A must-read for newly elected board members and interested outsiders to understand modern board practices.” Dr Christoph Franz, Vice-chair of the board of Zurich Insurance, member of the board of Stadler Rail, Artemis Holding, Chugai Pharmaceutical, and former Chairman of the board of Roche.
“Finally, a clear framework that helps boards tackle today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.” Erik Huggers, board member at Hexagon and several other privately-owned companies and former board member of ProSieben
“Boards have evolved from being exclusive clubs to professionally managed teams that play a central role in the company’s success. The Next Board provides invaluable advice on how to play that role.” Johannes Huth, former partner at private equity firm KKR, lead independent director at Coty Inc, and director at Axel Springer
The Next Board is a must read for any engaged Chair or Director. It offers state of the art research with hands-on insights from leaders and world class companies. Jan Jenisch, former board chair of Holcim
“A delightful guide of the ideal board that will inspire both experienced and aspiring non-executive directors, at a time when governance is confronted to strong headwinds: repeated disruptions, geopolitical confrontations and questioning around the mission of corporate businesses in the XXI century economy.” Anne Lange, director at Pernod-Ricard, Orange, and Inditex
"Grounded in rigorous, multi-year research, this book offers deep insights into board governance in today’s increasingly complex business environment. Rich in examples from major international companies and featuring candid insights from experienced board directors, it equips readers with practical frameworks and actionable advice. A timely read for board members and senior executives navigating today’s board challenges." Kalidas Madhavpeddi, chair of Glencore
“The Next Board is a must read for board chairs, board members and those aspiring to join boards. As a reader one finds a wealth of practical advice from board practitioners of top organizations, that the authors have translated into a practical guide to increase board effectiveness.” Luka Mucic, director at Heidelberg Materials
“Future-proof boards are strategic partners, not just supervisors, ensuring long-term value creation and responsible corporate governance. The book offers an excellent guide and many practical examples of how to get there.” Dr. Stefan Nöken, Supervisory Board Member at Vaillant, Vorwerk and Peri Group, former Member of the Executive Board of Hilti Corporation
“Effective boards are diverse in skills, experience and short and long-term thinking of their members. This book offers valuable insights for successful management of the demanding ecosystem at the top of a company.” Joerg Reinhardt, chair of Novartis and member of the board of SwissRe
"Master the boardroom. Get practical insights and guiding principles to navigate any board challenge. Essential for all fiduciaries.” Kaj-Erik Relander, board member of Louis Dreyfuss Corporation, SES Satellites and a number of other privately-held corporations
“Boards are more important than ever. The Next Board provides a conceptual frame and lots of practical tools to help boards to excel at their tasks. A useful and enjoyable read for both experienced and aspiring board members.” Andreas Umbach, former chair of Swiss SIG Group AG
“The Next Board is thoroughly researched and full of practical insights—an indispensable guide for board members navigating today’s most pressing challenges.” Peter Voser, board chair at ABB, PSA International, and member of the board at IBM
