LONDON and TORONTO, 1 May 2025 – Board Intelligence, the largest board technology and advisory firm in the UK and Sweden, has just announced the acquisition of Competent Boards, the globally recognized development platform for board directors and executives. The acquisition sees the joining of two female-led board effectiveness pioneers, bringing together Board Intelligence’s AI-powered services and tools with Competent Boards’ leading expertise in board assessment, director education, and sustainability governance.
Founded by Helle Bank Jorgensen, a corporate governance veteran and World Economic Forum Global Future Council member, Competent Boards offers board evaluation and sustainability consulting services alongside a globally accessible board training program. Since the program began in 2018, it has upskilled thousands of leaders across 57 countries, leaving them better equipped to govern effectively in a time of major societal and environmental change. The program’s alumni include directors and executives from Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, and major global organizations such as Rio Tinto, Coca-Cola, Manulife, and Tata Sons Private Limited. It has been described by Martin Wolf of the Financial Times as providing “invaluable guidance”.
With boards facing growing complexity and uncertainty, especially in the areas of sustainability, AI, and geopolitics, the partnership between Board Intelligence and Competent Boards will deliver high-quality effectiveness reviews and development programs to help clients build more agile, resilient, and impactful boards.
“This is more than a joining of forces, it’s a shared commitment to transforming boardrooms for the realities of our fast-changing world,” explained Helle Bank Jorgensen, who joins Board Intelligence as Global Managing Director, Board Development. “Our clients will benefit from an expanded platform that blends transformational AI with deep boardroom insight. Together, we aim to empower boards to serve and deliver impact, not sit.”
Pippa Begg, CEO of Board Intelligence, said: “Helle and Competent Boards have built a global following with the quality of their work and their commitment to building future-fit boards. Their innovative programs enhance our board assessment and development practice, strengthening our ability to support leaders’ evolving needs in every corner of the globe and accelerating our shared vision of more effective boards and a better-governed world. We’re thrilled to welcome Helle and her team to Board Intelligence.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Notes to editors
About Board Intelligence
Board Intelligence is the UK’s largest board technology and advisory firm. Trusted by more than 75,000 leaders across the Fortune 500 and FTSE 100, Board Intelligence helps boards perform better using the science of board effectiveness. For more information, visit boardintelligence.com and follow on LinkedIn.
About Competent Boards
Founded in 2018, Competent Boards delivers education programs, performance and skills assessments, and advisory services to board members and executives around the globe. Their focus is on sustainability, climate, biodiversity, and ethical governance. The program’s alumni span 57 countries and include directors from Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, and major global organizations.
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