Our fourth and final feature in this multi-part series on the careers, insights and suggestions of independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Once again, as some markets emphasise when a director is independent but others don’t, our shorthand NED includes independent NEDs (iNEDs). Like Part One, Part Two and Part Three in this series, this instalment covers a range of financial services industries, while also showcasing an experienced NED who serves on boards in other industries too. In addition, this article includes someone who acts primarily as an executive, while performing a non-executive role for an unrelated organisation too, illustrating how different the roles are. 

​Read more below for the career experiences and suggestions of Marjorie Ngwenya, Nicolaas Kruger, and Kirshni Totaram, the next three NEDs profiled.

Three further examples of international Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) in Part Three of our multi-part series sharing career paths and insights of individuals performing these roles. As before, our shorthand NED includes independent NEDs (iNEDs).

Similar to Part One and Part Two, the individuals represent different levels of NED experience, from those in their first few roles to seasoned board chairs. The need to prepare thoroughly for board and committee meetings has been raised in previous articles, and is mentioned by Part Three’s participants below too. This sentiment is described in more detail in a LinkedIn article on “Being an Effective Board Member” by John Howard, himself an experienced NED with a legal background. He describes the importance of preparation for these meetings like this: “Before each board and board committee meeting read the board book and reread relevant material from orientation. Speak to the Chairman and CEO (if the roles are separate) before the meeting. Meaningfully discuss the agenda, issues that concern you, and make suggestions so they know before the meeting your state of mind. Lack of preparation is the most common trait of bad directors.” John adds that proper preparation allows NEDs to bring something innovative to every board meeting, offering the idea for consideration at an appropriate time.

​Jose Ribeiro, Sheelagh Malin and Karabo Morule are profiled in this article, and we hope that their reflections and recommendations will prompt your own reflection. Read more below for their career paths and NED experiences.

This article marks the second feature in our multi-part series on the careers, reflections and recommendations of independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) internationally. As some countries emphasise when a director is independent but others don’t, our shorthand NED includes independent NEDs (iNEDs). Part One in this series covered a spread of countries and financial services industries where the individuals gained executive experience, and their NED roles cover insurance, health, reinsurance, pensions/retirement and securities brokerage. This second instalment is similarly diverse, including bancassurance, financial planning, wealth management, asset management, insurance (life and general / property & casualty), and mortgages.

NED roles often form part of a portfolio career, where a number of different of roles are done concurrently, rather than only one fulltime corporate job. Portfolios can include both paid and volunteer positions: a mix of NED roles, part-time consulting, side commercial ventures, professional volunteering, community work and more… Plurality of roles is becoming increasingly common as the nature of work evolves. 

​Building on Part One, the vignettes in this second article offer further examples of the portfolio nature of NED roles. May their experiences encourage you to reflect on your own career aspirations. Read more below for the career experiences and suggestions of three more NEDs internationally: Margaret Carey, Ashok Gupta and Estella Chiu.