As the U.S. technology industry faces disruption — from rapid advances in AI to geopolitical uncertainty — oversight by boards of directors has become more crucial but complex. The data in the 2025 U.S. Technology Spencer Stuart Board Index, our annual report on board composition, governance practices and director compensation for 200 publicly traded U.S. technology companies, offers some interesting insights into how boards are shifting to confront the issues of today.
Some are pushing for more independent board leadership, separating the chair and CEO roles or adding a lead or presiding director. Others are reexamining director skillsets, aiming to add more directors with finance or investment backgrounds or with hands-on technological experience in the era of AI. They are also considering a more global make-up on boards to ensure they are head of macro trends such as tariffs and the growing impact of emerging markets.
These findings are just a few of the trends we examine on the boards of 200 leading technology companies in the United States.
2025 Snapshot
7
years
Average tech board director tenure
34
%
Percent of new directors who are women
21
%
Percent of boards with mandatory retirement age
50
%
Percent of new directors with technology industry background
70
%
Average compensation in stock awards
137
New independent directors in 2025
63
%
Percent of tech boards that separate CEO and chair roles
7.6
Average number of board meetings