The Evolving Demands of Board Leadership | Expert Insights with Orna NiChionna

Alumni members of the IoD Chartered Director Programme gathered yesterday evening for an in-person event on the evolving demands of board leadership. The event provided directors with an opportunity to reflect on the changing role of the Chair, the growing importance of sustainability and accountability at board level, and the skills required for future-focused governance. 

Welcome address

Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland, opened the evening by welcoming members to the exclusive Chartered Director Programme Alumni event, 'In Conversation with Orna NiChionna'. Orna is an accomplished Chair, Senior Independent Director at Burberry plc, Chair of the Eden Trust, and an experienced Non-Executive Director. The in-conversation event was be moderated by Margaret Sweeney CDir, IoD Ireland Council Member

In her address, Caroline also highlighted the importance of continued professional development for directors navigating an increasingly complex governance landscape. Caroline emphasised the role of the Chartered Director Programme and alumni network in supporting directors to lead with confidence, integrity and impact throughout their board careers. She emphasised the value that the alumni community brings and the experience, perspective and commitment to good governance represented by those who are past participants of the programme.

Remaining effective in complex, fast-changing markets

The event then progressed to an in-conversation session featuring Orna NiChionna, Senior Independent Director at Burberry plc, moderated by Margaret Sweeney CDir, Council Member, IoD Ireland. Drawing on her extensive experience across listed companies, advisory firms and not-for-profit organisations, Orna started off the conversation by reflecting on how her board and Chairing career has evolved and how her experience across a wide range of organisations gradually drew her towards these roles where she could have the greatest impact on board effectiveness and leadership. Orna discussed her perspective on what good board leadership looks like in practice and noted the common governance issues that consistently rise to the top, including board culture, leadership accountability, stakeholder engagement and the need for constructive, high-quality decision-making.  

The changing role of the Chair 

Focusing on the changing role of the Chair, Orna reflected on the Chair's most critical value-add in a high performing boardroom and the importance of Chairs knowing when to lean in and when to step back to avoid blurring the line between governance and management. The discussion also highlighted how the Chair's role can differ between commercial and not-for-profit organisations, particularly in relation to stakeholder engagement. On the topic of AI, Orna stressed the need for Chairs to work closely with directors and executive teams to ensure informed challenge and responsible oversight. She also underlined the importance of balancing challenge and assurance while maintaining strong, trusted relationships with executive leadership. 

Future-focused board leadership

Looking to the future, Orna and Margaret explored what effective board leadership will require in an environment shaped by rapid change, technological advancement and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. Board culture emerged as a recurring theme, with emphasis placed on the Chair's unqiue ability to influence behaviours, decison-making and performance around the board table. Succession planning, both for executive leadership and within the board itself, was highlighted as a critical element of future-focused governance. The discussion reinforced the need for deliberate, inclusive approaches to succession to support long-term resilience and board effectiveness.

Final reflections

After an engaging member Q&A, Caroline Kinsella, Board and Member Services Director, IoD Ireland, closed the event by thanking the Alumni for their attendance and engagement. Caroline noted that completing the IoD Chartered Director Programme was the first part of the Alumni members director development, and encourged them to avail of the vast range of member resources and supports. The evening then concluded with networking providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with peers across the IoD Chartered Director Programme alumni community. 

This was an exclusive event for the IoD Chartered Director Programme Alumni. This unique network for past and present participants of the Programme, is aimed at fostering and supporting this growing and dynamic community. IoD Ireland is committed to fostering and supporting corporate governance standards through its member and board services, and learning and education offerings, including the highly rated Chartered Director Programme.