The 2019 edition of the Belgium Spencer Stuart Board Index provides a snapshot of current practice in board composition, committee membership and remuneration among the 58 companies in the Bel 20 and Bel Mid indices.

This edition also casts a spotlight on the 25 family-owned companies in the Bel 20 and Bel Mid (43.1% of the total sample) and explores some of the differences between this group and non-family companies in the indices.

We also include the article “Learning from the next generation”, which explores what younger directors can bring to the boardroom and how to ensure their success.

Highlights of the 2019 Belgium Spencer Stuart Board Index include:

• 34.5% of board directors in the Bel 20 and Bel Mid are women – a 90% increase since 2014
• 56% of new directors on Bel 20 and Bel Mid boards are non-nationals
• 60.3% of companies in the two indices are either family-owned or have a significant family presence
• 41.4% of chairs are independent. The proportion of Bel 20 chairs who are independent has fallen from 47.4% to 40% in a year.