A publicly traded company operating in the industrial sector throughout North America turned to Watson to support a shift in governance culture, increase board effectiveness, and recruit new directors for the next phase of its leadership.

Context

Our client is a publicly traded company operating in the industrial sector throughout North America. The board had recently undergone significant change, including the appointment of a new Chair and the addition of new directors. With shifting expectations around how the board should engage, there was a recognized need to revisit board dynamics and effectiveness.

The new Chair sought to establish clearer expectations for director conduct, improve engagement with management, and ensure that board time was spent on the issues that mattered most.

Our Work Together

Watson was initially engaged to conduct a board evaluation focused on board culture, engagement, and strategic effectiveness. The evaluation surfaced opportunities to strengthen director onboarding, enhance meeting structure, and foster a more future-focused boardroom culture.

We provided a tailored set of recommendations, including the creation of a board code of conduct, refinements to board agendas, and more intentional collaboration between the Chair and CEO. The evaluation also informed a more formal approach to CEO succession planning.

Following the evaluation, the company engaged Watson to support the recruitment of two new directors aligned with its evolving board culture and expectations. The process focused on identifying candidates who could contribute strategically and bring diverse perspectives and experience to the board.

Our Impact

The Chair noted that the board has seen meaningful improvements in how it functions and engages. Directors are contributing with increased clarity and purpose, and board meetings are now structured to support thoughtful oversight and forward-looking discussion.

The two new directors appointed through Watson’s search process contributed effectively from the outset, coming to their first strategy meetings well-prepared and with a solid understanding of the business.

The company has also adopted a new board code of conduct, strengthened its succession planning practices, and improved coordination between the Chair and CEO, resulting in a more strategic, collaborative governance environment.