What are the top concerns keeping boards awake at night? The results from WTW's 2025 European Board Stewardship and Human Capital Governance Survey highlight key challenges and priorities; key trends show how boards are focused on both immediate threats and long-term risks, with financial performance monitoring and reporting being top concerns, while innovation, AI, and human capital require more attention.
Boards are navigating an era of rapid change, where financial performance remains a focus - but is no longer enough. New risks, opportunities, and responsibilities are reshaping what effective stewardship looks like.
The survey reflects:
- Shifting priorities: Boards are balancing financial oversight with greater attention to innovation, human capital, and AI.
- Interconnected risks: Geopolitics, climate, and cybersecurity are converging, requiring a systems-level view.
- Human capital at the forefront: Leadership succession, talent retention, and workforce skills are now critical strategic risks.
- Evolving board skills: Culture, transformation, and the influence of HR are becoming central to boardroom effectiveness.
- ESG as strategy: Boards are moving beyond compliance, aligning ESG with long-term value creation and ethical stewardship.
With some top concerns for boards including:
- Geopolitical shifts and trade patterns
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- Economic downturns and uncertainty
- AI and disruptive business models
- Climate risk and the transition to net zero
Despite recognising the importance of people and culture, most boards report low confidence in their oversight of human capital issues. Leadership succession, workforce planning, and talent retention remain under-addressed, yet are pivotal to resilience and future success.
Learn More:
Download the full report here to explore how NEDs can adapt to these shifting dynamics, strengthen board effectiveness, and steward long-term business resilience.
About WTW:
Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is a global leader in advisory, broking, and risk management solutions. With nearly 200 years of experience and 45,000 employees in over 140 countries, WTW helps businesses turn risks into growth opportunities by providing tailored solutions for intricate risk profiles. WTW’s offerings, including professional liability, D&O insurance, cyber risk, and M&A-related insurances, directly address the risks and challenges faced by today’s NEDs. NEDA are proud to be working in partnership with WTW.