Tap/Click here to download policy
Date Approved: March 2022
Effective From: January 2022
Future Review Date: March 2025
Application: This policy applies to all NZX listed companies.
Purpose: NZSA maintains a range of policies to positively influence the behaviour of all participants in the NZX listed company sector. These policies should be read in the context of the NZSA Policy Framework Statement.
Preamble
This policy document replaces the previous NZSA policy document dated July 2018. Key changes in this update include a broadening of the scope of who may be considered as a future director.
1.0 Policy: Future Directors
1.1 The Association believes that NZX50 companies should be developing future Directors by allowing their CEO or other appropriate senior executives to take part in the Future Directors Programme or any other appropriate governance development programme.
1.2 NZSA also expects any NZX50 company to participate in the Programme by appointing a Future Director, Board Observer or individual from any appropriate governance development programme to their Board.
2.0 Commentary
2.1 The NZX has approximately 130 New Zealand domiciled companies. With each company having between 3-7 Directors, the total number of Directors governing NZX-listed companies is just over 700 (as of end-2021).
2.2 A number of Directors hold more than one Directorship, so the individual number of listed company Directors around 550 as of December 2021.
2.3 NZSA believes that a growing and diverse pool of Directors is in the long-term interests of both organisations and shareholders.
2.4 Whilst diversity is important it is one of many elements to consider in having the best qualified persons on a Board.
2.5 NZSA recognises that organisations may have their own director development programmes in place, associated with either executive professional development or other external programmes. These may include schemes run by IPENZ or other professional bodies.
2.6 NZSA would not wish a Board Observer or Future Director to ‘stifle’ conversation on a Board. To overcome this, it is critical for the Director to play a full role in the cultural ethos of the Board, to ensure ongoing trust and confidence.
2.7 The Future Directors Programme is administered by (but separate to) the Institute of Directors. It aims to “…develop the next generation of directors and prepare them to positively transform their organisations, communities and New Zealand.”
.
3.0 Key Regulatory Requirements
none
References
Future Directors Programme: https://www.futuredirectors.co.nz/Default.aspx
Definitions
none.
Related Policies
Policy 17 – Board Composition