From trend to transformation: the rise of advisory boards
Advisory boards are helping reshape governance. The Certified Chair™ Executive Program builds capability to lead this transformation.
Most New Zealand companies do not have traditional governance boards, but that does not mean they lack the need for strategic guidance. Advisory boards are increasingly being used to support business growth, innovation and resilience across a range of sectors. And the demand is growing.
To help meet that demand, the Institute of Directors is hosting the Certified Chair™ Executive Program in Aotearoa New Zealand this November. Delivered in partnership with the Advisory Board Centre, the programme is an executive education initiative developed specifically for the advisory sector.
Advisory boards are not formal governance boards with fiduciary duties – they are flexible structures that provide independent advice, specialist expertise and a sounding board for management.
IoD Chief Executive Kirsten Patterson MNZM says there is a real opportunity for advisory boards to fill that gap – “especially for SMEs, fast-growth companies and those working on their business, not just in it.
“We’re seeing more inquiries from organisations wanting help to establish advisory boards or find suitable members. This programme helps us meet that demand with the right skills and tools.”
Like the rest of the world, Patterson says there is growing momentum in New Zealand for advisory boards, even though local data remains limited.
“There’s increasing awareness of the value that different skills and independent voices can bring to organisations – and more demand for advisory support from both private companies and corporates. It’s definitely on the rise, even if we can’t quantify the scale yet.”
The Certified Chair™ Executive Program provides a practical foundation for supporting advisory structures. Participants gain mastery of the ABF 101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework™, the internationally recognised standard for advisory board leadership.
The course equips directors, consultants and executives with tools to scope, structure and lead advisory boards, and includes access to a curated global peer network – with Certified Chairs managing an average of 5.5 board engagements.
Patterson recently completed the programme and says: “It’s great to do a deep dive into advisory boards – to understand how they differ from traditional boards and how to build them effectively. The content is grounded and useful, particularly for those advising fast-moving businesses or working close to the ‘grey line’ between governance and management.”
Louise Broekman, founder of the Advisory Board Centre, says advisory boards are a distinct tool in the governance ecosystem. “They sit alongside governance boards, non-executive directors, consultants and mentors to provide agile and independent thinking.”
Globally, more than 660,000 advisory boards operate, engaging 9.8 million professionals, according to the 2025-27 State of the Market Report. Most are project-based, supporting areas like innovation, sustainability, transformation and scale.
The report also shows that well-designed advisory boards improve decision-making confidence by 30%, while 77% of organisations report positive outcomes when the board is fit-for-purpose. In contrast, poorly structured boards deliver little value.
“Most companies here in New Zealand don’t have boards in the traditional sense due to the organisation size and family-owned nature,” says Patterson. “Advisory boards offer a flexible and fit-for-purpose alternative – and this programme helps us build the capability to support them.”
The Certified Chair™ Executive Program is coming to New Zealand this November. Visit the Advisory Board Centre website for more information.
For support and guidance on advisory boards, see our advisory board toolkit here.