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 – the 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, HSBC, IBM, Inditex, Kellogg, McKesson, Nestlé, Nokia, Novartis, Paypal, Santander, Target, and UPS.

The 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.

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.