Board Monitor 2025: Market insights from Europe & Africa

CEO & Board of Directors

Board Monitor 2025: Market insights from Europe & Africa

Explore the latest data and trends in board appointments to public company boards in Europe and Africa.
July 09, 2025
By Heidrick & Struggles

About the research

This analysis is part of Heidrick & Struggles’ long-standing study of trends in board composition in countries around the world. Produced by our global CEO & Board of Directors Practice, these reports track and analyze trends in non-executive director appointments to the boards of the largest publicly listed companies in Australia (ASX 200), Belgium (BEL 20), Brazil (BOVESPA), Canada (TSX 60), Colombia (COLCAP), Denmark (OMX Copenhagen 25), Finland (OMX Helsinki 25), France (CAC 40), Germany (DAX and MDAX), Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index), India (NSE Nifty 500), Ireland (ISEQ), Italy (FTSE MIB), Kenya (NSE 20), Mexico (BMV IPC), the Netherlands (AEX), New Zealand (NZX 10), Norway (OBX), Poland (WIG20), Portugal (PSI 20), Saudi Arabia (Tadawul), Singapore (STI 30), South Africa (JSE Top 40), South Korea (KOSPI 50), Spain (IBEX 35), Sweden (OMX Stockholm 30), Switzerland (SMI Expanded), the United Arab Emirates (ADX and DFM), the United Kingdom (FTSE 350), and the United States (Fortune 500). Information about executives is gathered from publicly available sources, BoardEx, and a Heidrick & Struggles proprietary database.

This year’s report tracks appointments made between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

This year’s Board Monitor reports include data on 2024 appointees to the boards of companies across 30 markets. This data includes the number of seats filled, average age at appointment, education information, gender, prior C-suite and public board experience, as well as other experience and expertise.

To compare markets around the world, please explore our global interactive data dashboard.

Read other articles in our Board Monitor series, including our insights on board refreshment and leading across boundaries.

 

View the Board Monitor infographics

Belgium | Download the PDF Norway | Download the PDF 
Denmark | Download the PDF Poland | Download the PDF
Finland | Download the PDF Portugal | Download the PDF
France | Download the PDF South Africa | Download the PDF
Germany | Download the PDF Spain | Download the PDF
Ireland | Download the PDF Sweden | Download the PDF
Italy | Download the PDF Switzerland | Download the PDF 
Kenya | Download the PDF United Kingdom | Download the PDF
The Netherlands | Download the PDF  

 

Explore data from other regions

The Americas

Asia Pacific & the Middle East

Related Services & Industries

Related Content

CEO & Board of Directors

Leadership perspectives: A conversation with Ireena Vittal, independent director

Heidrick & Struggles’ Suresh Raina speaks with Ireena Vittal, an independent director currently serving on multiple boards.
CEO Succession Planning

From stewardship to strategy: Rethinking CEO succession

Jenni Hibbert explores what disciplined CEO succession planning teaches boards about strategic leadership and long-term value.
Board of Directors

Board Monitor Mexico 2025 | The quiet power of continuous board refreshment: A shift toward strategy

Heidrick & Struggles’ Board Monitor Mexico 2025 report explores how Mexican board leaders embed refreshment into governance strategy.
Private Equity

Private equity focus: A new process for CEO succession planning in a new normal

Private equity leaders often treat CEO succession as an afterthought. Our survey research shines a light on three key areas of improvement.

Stay connected

Stay connected to our expert insights, thought leadership, and event information.

Leadership Podcast

Explore the latest episodes of The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast.