NACD and AESC Forge Strategic Alliance to Enhance Board Leadership Development

NACD and AESC Strategic Partnership: An Elevated Board Leadership Approach

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) have announced a landmark strategic partnership that aims to significantly enhance corporate board leadership. This new relationship unites NACD, which stands for corporate board members, with AESC, the organization representing firms that specialize in recruiting and placing board directors across multiple corporate sectors.

Enhancing Membership Benefits

This strategic collaboration will provide exclusive benefits to members from both organizations. AESC firms, engaged in executive search and leadership advisory services, are actively seeking talented individuals to fill board positions. NACD’s members, who are seasoned board leaders, can now take advantage of these opportunities in a highly competitive market.

By establishing direct connectivity between both associations’ memberships, this partnership stands to foster a unique ecosystem—delivering incredible value not only to the members themselves but also the companies they serve.

NACD’s members will enjoy unparalleled access to AESC’s executive search capabilities, allowing them to leverage insightful resources and tools crafted to enrich their leadership impact. In reciprocation, companies collaborating with AESC member firms can tap into NACD's rigorous network of highly qualified board professionals.

BlueSteps: The Initial Resource Available

As an initial offering from this partnership, NACD and AESC will provide custom resources from BlueSteps, an executive career development platform belonging to AESC. This unique platform equips senior leaders with essential tools and training for board readiness, shaped by the strategies and insights from leading board candidacy advisors and search experts affiliated with AESC.

BlueSteps serves to complement NACD’s extensive governance offerings by assisting boards in addressing their needs around composition, succession planning, and human capital strategies within an ever-evolving corporate environment.

Peter Gleason, the president and CEO of NACD, remarked, "Corporate board service is one of the most significant roles in business today. This seamless access to the BlueSteps program enriches NACD's member benefits, empowering corporate directors and their boards to meet their leadership requirements both today and in the future."

In support, James Edmund Datri, president and CEO of AESC, commented, "Our members partner with the top-tier companies globally to cultivate innovative, effective, and future-ready boards. The NACD-AESC partnership establishes a robust CONNECTION between governance and leadership, benefitting our members and the organizations that depend on them.”

Kulsoom Gul, managing director of BlueSteps, added, "Our aim is to enlighten present and aspiring directors regarding their perception by firms that influence boardrooms. This partnership joins two respected institutions to provide pertinent, proven support for directors as they navigate their board service journeys."

Looking Toward the Future

This announcement marks a significant beginning of an exciting collaboration between NACD and AESC. In the latter part of this year, and into 2026, both organizations plan to unveil additional joint initiatives, networking events, and collaborative opportunities for all members of NACD and AESC. These initiatives promise to reinforce the assimilation of ideas and the sharing of insights, ultimately enhancing board leadership across industries.

About NACD and AESC

The National Association of Corporate Directors® (NACD®) stands as a leading member organization for corporate directors keen on expanding their knowledge, networks, and maximizing their leadership potential. With over 47 years of service, NACD has consistently uplifted the standards of performance and governance in boardrooms globally. To learn more about NACD’s vision and initiatives, please visit nacdonline.org.

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) represents highly esteemed firms dedicated to executive search and leadership advisory services. AESC members are recognized for their expertise in advising businesses, organizations, boards, and CEOs on recruiting senior-level talent and formulating leadership strategies. For more information on AESC and its executive program BlueSteps, explore aesc.org and bluesteps.com.