Non-executive director search for luxury and consumer boards.
The right non-executive brings judgement a founder or board does not yet have in the room. Our retained NED and board advisory search is for luxury houses, family-owned businesses and investor-backed brands appointing independent directors, committee chairs and advisers with genuine sector understanding.
Why the right NED changes a board
A non-executive appointment should address a specific board requirement. Define the expertise, independence and contribution expected, together with the time commitment and relevant conflicts.
The value is specific, not generic. A board adding digital, financial, international or governance expertise needs a NED who genuinely brings it — and who has the standing and judgement to challenge constructively while respecting a founder or family’s ownership.
Who appoints a NED
Non-executive mandates reach us from businesses strengthening their boards:
- Founder-led and family-owned luxury businesses building board capability
- Private equity and investor-backed businesses adding independent expertise
- Businesses needing specific board expertise — digital, finance, international, ESG
- Family offices structuring governance for an owned business
- Businesses preparing for transaction, scale or succession
What Luxury Executive looks for
We look for non-executives who bring real, relevant expertise and the temperament to use it well — constructive challenge, sound judgement, and sensitivity to the dynamics of a founder- or family-led business. A NED who cannot read the room adds little, however impressive the CV.
We map board-credible leaders against the specific gap the board is filling, and approach them discreetly through relationships rather than open processes.
Defining this mandate
Identify the specific contribution missing from the board, the independence expected and the time required. Assess relevant judgement, conflicts and the ability to challenge and support the executive team.
How retained search worksFrequently asked
Should the search focus on sector experience or a functional gap?
That depends on the board’s existing strengths. Financial, digital, international or governance expertise may matter more than another similar sector career.
How are conflicts and independence considered?
The brief should define the required independence and disclosure process. Relevant interests and commitments need to be assessed with the board and its advisers before appointment.
Does an advisory role carry the same responsibilities?
Not necessarily. A statutory directorship and an advisory appointment have different responsibilities. The client and its advisers should define the intended role before the search begins.
Strengthening your board?
Speak with us in confidence about a non-executive or board advisory mandate.