Boards Start to Seek HR Experience

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Human Resource Magazine – Boards Start to Seek HR Experience

A growing number of HR directors are taking board seats and non-executive director (NED) positions, reports HRmagazine. James Martin, a consultant at Egon Zehnder, London, agrees. “HR experience is becoming more valued,” notes Martin. “Until three or four years ago, it was hard to place HR people on boards, but the financial crash and public distrust means [chairmen] are suddenly more interested in HR.” Many chairmen seeking to boost gender diversity at board level also see HR as an opportunity to find female directors, adds Martin. In his experience, boards now: “want a systematic understanding of bench strength. There are also risks around CEO and senior director succession. Having someone on the board who can provide counsel in these areas is very helpful.”

Full story: Katie Jacobs: Why more HR directors are taking on NED roles in HR magazine (5 January 2015).