The Class of 2013: New NEDs in the FTSE 350

With Korn Ferry’s “Class of” research into new non-executive directors (NEDs) now in its second year, we have identified some year-over-year movements that could be signals of incremental change. This report analyses the appointment specifically of 260 people gaining their first NED seat among the FTSE 350—and thus by inference, the characteristics likely to be in high demand in NED recruitment in the short and medium term.

We also surveyed members of this Class of 2013 to ascertain their motives for becoming a NED and how they experienced the process of joining a board. This data is complemented by a handful of in-depth interviews that provide more insights on what NEDs are receiving and what they desire in terms of onboarding.