Neon River

Non-Executive Director (NED) and Chairman executive search experts

The role of a NED or Chairman is pivotal in ensuring the right strategy and governance for companies.

Non-Executive Directors and Chairmen play a unique role in supporting CEOs, particularly in venture capital and private equity-backed companies.

Many CEOs, especially those who are first-time founders or entrepreneurs, benefit immensely from the guidance and perspective a NED can offer. Acting as a trusted advisor, a NED can provide a sounding board for major strategic decisions, ensuring the CEO remains focused on long-term objectives.

Neon River has deep experience of leading NED and Chairman searches for clients in the technology and games sectors.

In the past, Non-Executive Director and Chairman appointments were often drawn from a small pool of experienced board members, typically older men who held multiple NED roles simultaneously. While these individuals brought experience, the process often lacked meritocracy, with companies relying on a narrow group of the “usual suspects.”

Today, the landscape of NED and Chairman executive search has shifted dramatically. There is now greater emphasis on diversity, and companies increasingly prioritize candidates with recent and relevant experience, particularly as CEOs in similar industries. This has made NED and Chairman roles more competitive and accessible, ensuring boards are strengthened by a broader range of skills and perspectives.

A growing trend in Non-Executive Director recruitment is the demand for individuals who have experience working with investors. For private equity or venture capital-backed companies, a NED who understands the dynamics of investor relations can be a tremendous asset. They can provide valuable insights on capital allocation, scaling strategies, and preparing for exit opportunities. Neon River’s expertise as NED headhunters ensures that we identify individuals who meet these precise requirements, helping companies build stronger boards that align with their strategic goals.

For senior executives considering “going plural”— this career path can be both intellectually rewarding and impactful. Non-Executive Director roles provide an opportunity to contribute to different organizations, share expertise, and shape the strategic direction of businesses.

What to consider when hiring a NED or Chairman

 

One consideration that is often important when finding a NED or Chairman is finding a senior executive with experience of building a similar kind of company – in terms of sector, business model and company stage.

Through their experience as an executive (typically as a CEO or senior executive) a Chairman or NED should be able to lend valuable experience  and wisdom about how to grow a particular type of business. They may also bring a valuable network of potential customers, partners, employees and service providers in the sector.

In the context of a venture capital or private equity backed company, a NED or Chairman would often ideally have experience of working with VC or PE investors previously. Managing relationships with key shareholders is a key responsibility for any CEO and can be a source of stress. Any help or advice a board member can give in order to help manage investors effectively can be most welcome.

Board members are also there to ensure governance, compliance and also to challenge members of the executive team when necessary. They have an important responsibility to the shareholders of the company to ensure that the business is run in an effective and ethical way.

NEDs and Chairmen have an important role to play in helping to define the commercial and product strategy of a company. They can also help to mentor a CEO and provide them with support.

Sometimes finding a NED or Chairman who has been a CEO recently might be preferable to one who has had a portfolio of NED roles for a long time but few executive roles. A more recent CEO may have a deeper understanding of the dynamics of their sector. The technology sector evolves quickly and there can be a lot of value in recent experience as a senior executive.

Equally, experienced NEDs and Chairman have seen many different kinds of business and environment and can use their extensive experience to help avoid mistakes and pitfalls that less experienced executives might miss.

 

About Neon River

 

At Neon River, our track record as a NED and Chairman executive search firm sets us apart from our competitors. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs, whether that’s finding a NED with deep sector expertise, experience navigating investor relations, or a Chairman with the ability to mentor an entrepreneurial CEO.

Peter Franks is the founder of Neon River and an expert in advising technology companies how to find and attract leaders. With twenty years’ experience in executive search he has deep experience of helping technology companies to craft world-class headhunting processes.

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