Boards Seeking Out Diverse Thought and Backgrounds.

• Position: BOARDBOOK: WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA?

In Board Monitor U.S. 2022, Heidrick & Struggles' report on new directors brought into Fortune 500 boards In 2021, it was found that the boards are continuing a trend that was started in late-2020: reaching out to diverse groups of directors to bring fresh insights and perspectives into company stewardship.

* 43% of board seats were filled by first-time directors.

* 45% of seats were filled by women.

* An increase was recorded in the number of board members with sustainability and cybersecurity experience.

* In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, 26% of seats were held by Black directors, a steady number after the dramatic Increase of 2020. But Asian/ Asian American and Hispanic/Latinx directors still find themselves woefully underrepresented at 9% and 6%...