In today’s competitive governance landscape, attracting high-quality board talent requires more than just a compelling mission or brand. One of the most consistent, and underestimated, drivers of recruitment success is director remuneration.
At Directors Australia. we’ve recruited hundreds of directors for organisations across the ASX-listed, for-purpose, government and private sectors, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact that remuneration has on the strength of the candidate pool.
When boards offer appropriate and market-aligned remuneration, they not only demonstrate respect for the director’s time and expertise but also significantly broaden their reach. Roles that are unpaid or modestly compensated often receive limited interest, typically from those with flexible schedules or personal financial independence. In contrast, well-remunerated positions attract a much deeper and more diverse field of candidates—people with the right experience, capacity, and drive to make a meaningful contribution from day one.
The expectations placed on directors have never been higher. Governance standards, regulatory compliance, stakeholder accountability, and risk management are now central to a director’s responsibilities. With this increasing complexity and personal liability, strong candidates weigh these obligations against the level of compensation offered. Inadequate remuneration can deter the very talent a board needs to guide it through uncertainty or growth.
Importantly, director remuneration is also a lever for board diversity and inclusion. By compensating directors fairly, organisations remove one of the key barriers that prevent younger professionals, women, and those from underrepresented backgrounds from considering board roles.
If boards are serious about bringing new voices to the table, remuneration must be part of the conversation.
Case study
Directors Australia assisted a large and highly successful family business with the recruitment of their inaugural advisory board. Following initial governance advice from Directors Australia on the type of board and market board remuneration, we undertook a national search for an advisory board chair and advisory board member.
We successfully sourced and placed board members with the skills and experience sought by our client to add value to a second-generation family business looking to expand into a new market sector.
Offering at market-level remuneration was a key factor in drawing in an exceptional candidate pool.
📩 Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 1300 890 267 to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Directors Australia works with the boards of ASX-listed, for-purpose, government and private sectors to achieve ‘best fit’ corporate governance appropriate to the organisation’s operating environment and strategy, and in doing so enhance board and organisational performance.
As part of our service offering we specialise in director recruitment and advise on non-executive director remuneration, drawing on our extensive data and experience in working with boards. In 2024, Directors Australia was a partner in the 2024 Australian Board Remuneration Survey.
Vanessa Jolly
General Manager - Board Recruitment
Joanne Peulen
Board and Governance Specialist
