Looking ahead to 2026, corporate boards are placing an emphasis on CEO succession planning, workforce agility, strategic execution and technology transformation, according to a Dec. 11 report from the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Economic volatility remains a top concern for directors, as more than 30% expect a recession during the next year. Even so, a majority of directors said they remain confident in their companies’ growth prospects.
“Directors recognize that succeeding in this environment requires clarity of purpose and disciplined follow-through,” Peter Gleason, president and CEO of the National Association of Corporate Directors, said in a statement.
“Boards are focusing on execution and workforce agility,” Gleason noted. “The successful convergence of talent and technology will determine whether companies can innovate, adapt and execute their strategic commitments.”
In a survey of more than 24,000 association members, more than 60% cited strategy execution as the top oversight improvement area. More than 60% of boards plan to increase strategy discussions during meetings, and more than 40% intend to increase engagement between meetings.
When it comes to people-focused goals, boards are also elevating oversight of leadership development, succession planning and workforce readiness, the report found. For instance, CEO succession planning ranks as the most important board practice needing improvement in 2026.
In addition, directors pointed to top barriers such as workforce adaptability, organizational agility and shortages of skilled employees. Only a third of directors said they’re “strongly confident” about their board’s collective skill set, and 14% said they’re concerned that their boards don’t have the capabilities needed for the coming year.
With technology, 76% of directors said artificial intelligence tools will factor into their 2026 growth strategy. However, most reported only slight or moderate success with realizing operational or financial benefits from tech investments, highlighting the need for clearer performance metrics, better cybersecurity and stronger digital transformation skills.
As companies appoint new CEOs and implement broad workforce changes, CHRO appointments have surged as well, according to a Russell Reynolds Associates report. Rapid change and high expectations have likely increased the pressure on HR leadership, the report found.
