Swiss companies are maintaining traditional patterns when filling new positions on boards of directors, according to the «Board Monitor Europe 2026» study by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, released at the end of September. Half of the surveyed CEOs and board members report a gap between the skills needed in the future and current strengths, while Europe's economy sits at just under one percent growth amid geopolitical tensions and pressure from artificial intelligence.
Among the 54 newly filled positions in the expanded SMI in 2025, Swiss corporations adhered to conventional appointments. More than half of those appointed bring chief executive experience, and nearly three-quarters already hold long-standing seats on other boards. With an average age of 60 years—only six percent of newly appointed individuals are under 50 years old—Swiss board members are comparatively old by European standards. The female representation remains at one-third, trailing countries such as France, Great Britain, and Italy.
Recruiting proven executives from abroad remains a standard approach. Former Shell CEO Ben van Beurden has served as chairman of Clariant since October 2025. Former HSBC executive Noel Quinn took over the board chairmanship of Julius Bär in April of last year. Telecom executive and supervisory board member at Daimler Truck and Deutsche Börse, Claudia Nemat, joined the board of ABB in April 2025.
Well-known Swiss figures are also in high demand. Urs Riedener, chairman of Emmi since 2023 and a board member at Sandoz, has headed the compensation committee on the board of SIG since April 2025. Former Swiss National Bank president Thomas Jordan joined the supervisory board of Zurich in April 2025 and took a seat on the Nestlé board in April 2026.
According to the study, less traditional board compositions yield financial results. Only 42 percent of European corporations align strategy, leadership, and succession. Where this succeeds, 35 percent of companies exceeded their financial goals last year, compared to 24 percent of the remaining firms.
