Leadership insights

What’s important to the board in 2025

Five topics shaping the corporate director’s agenda

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Navigating the board’s expanding role

Against macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical conflict, a tight labor market and shifts in consumer habits, companies are trying to execute strategies that can keep the business relevant well into the future. Corporate governance needs to adapt to that change.

As a director, your oversight responsibilities have greatly expanded amid this global uncertainty. Even experienced boards can’t always foresee emerging risks like cyber attacks, data loss, regulatory shifts and extreme weather. However, you are rising to the challenge by adding members with essential skills, deepening your understanding of corporate strategy and enhancing governance practices. What hasn’t changed: a commitment to leading the company to a position of strength.

In the spotlight

Board effectiveness: A survey of the C-suite

In this period of historic change — marked by rapid shifts in policy and evolving market dynamics — your role in providing oversight and finding clarity and direction among the noise has never been more critical.

You are stepping up with fresh thinking and bold leadership. Our survey shows that executives' confidence in their boards continues to improve. While there is still room for progress, the upward trend marks a positive shift in C-suite board perceptions.

Read the survey for insights on how boards are navigating a fast-moving economic, legal and regulatory environment — including growing pressure to strengthen AI oversight and strategic focus.

43% of executives want AI expertise added to the board

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Where to focus in 2025

Board governance

Lead on board effectiveness

Getting the board’s composition right often involves a balancing act between preserving institutional knowledge and adding the skills executives now expect — especially in areas like AI, international strategy and sustainability. In fact, PwC's Board Effectiveness: A Survey of the C-Suite found that only 32% of executives believe their board has the right expertise.

Stay informed and act decisively to align your strategy with these changes so you can keep your company one step ahead.

Additional ways to lead on board effectiveness

Board governance

Why boards should evaluate individual director performance

Assessing directors' performance helps identify skill gaps, improve dynamics and confirms alignment with the company’s strategy.

Board composition

Board composition: Building your dream team

Find out how boards can tackle board refreshment and succession planning in a rapidly changing business environment.

Board composition

The 9 questions you need to ask to take your board from good to great

How can you boost effectiveness and efficiency to improve oversight? By asking key questions on board composition, performance assessments, leadership and more.

93% of executives say they want someone on the board replaced

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Explore executive insights

Identify the key focus areas of your colleagues.

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