The 2024 Netherlands Spencer Stuart Board Index is a comprehensive review of governance practice in the 50 largest companies in the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. The chart below provides a unique perspective on the extent to which a range of key metrics have changed over the past 10 years.
|
2014 |
2024 |
% change |
| Average number of board meetings: two-tier boards |
10 |
10 |
0% |
| Average number of board meetings: one-tier boards |
7.4 |
10.0 |
43% |
| Average age of non-executive directors |
63 years |
62 years |
-1.6% |
| Foreign directors: executives |
35% |
34% |
-3.2% |
| Foreign directors: non-executives |
43% |
49% |
14% |
| Women directors: executive directors |
7% |
21% |
200% |
| Women directors: non-executive directors |
21% |
42% |
100% |
| Independent non-executive directors |
90% |
91% |
1.1% |
| Average tenure: chair (non-executive) |
4.3 years |
3.8 years |
– |
| Average tenure: non-executive directors |
4.2 years |
4 years |
– |
| Total remuneration: chair |
€138,000 |
€188,592 |
37% |
| Total remuneration: non-executive directors |
€77,000 |
€95,150 |
24% |
When comparing the 2014 and 2024 situations, we observe that certain aspects have remained steady or largely unchanged, including the average frequency of two-tier meetings, the average age of board members, and the proportions of independent non-executive directors.
However, some metrics show significant changes, particularly in the representation of women on boards. This shift is expected, given the implementation of quotas and other initiatives in the Netherlands aimed at promoting diversity in leadership.
In terms of overall compensation, remuneration for chairs has increased significantly more than that of other non-executive directors. A 24% increase may initially appear substantial, but when it is averaged over a decade, it means that regular NEDs experienced annual pay increases of just 2%.