2024 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index Highlights

Spencer Stuart's 2024 U.S. Board Index — now in its 39th year — analyses S&P 500 board composition and governance. Key data: 406 new independent directors appointed in 2024 of a total 5,289, with 58% of boards appointing at least one new independent director (up from 53% in 2023) and 20% appointing more than one (up from 18%). CEOs and directors with financial backgrounds make up 59% of the incoming class. The oldest new independent director joined at 82 — the oldest since the index began — while next-generation directors aged 50 or under climbed back to 14% of the incoming class (from 11% in 2023, still below 18% in 2022). 34% of the class of 2024 are first-time directors, and half of all directors now identify as female, underrepresented minority and/or LGBTQ+. Strong benchmark for SEA mid-market boards.