Nurole acquires WB Directors to strengthen support for non-executive leaders and build better boards

[London, 7th May] – Nurole, the search specialist for board-level appointments, is delighted to announce the acquisition of WB Directors (formerly known as Women on Boards UK), a leading network supporting diverse non-executive leaders. This strategic move unites two purpose-driven female-founded organisations and further strengthens Nurole’s mission to build better boards through access, excellence and inclusion.

A shared vision to build better boards

Boards matter. They shape the society we live in. Yet fewer than 30% of executives rate their board as good or excellent. Our vision is a world where boards consistently fulfil their potential - ensuring organisations are well run to the benefit of all stakeholders. By combining forces, Nurole and WB Directors will deliver greater value and support to aspiring and serving board members, as well as the organisations that appoint them.

WB Directors has built a strong reputation for nurturing underrepresented talent in the boardroom, and this acquisition reflects Nurole’s continued commitment to providing access to the best leadership talent at the highest levels.

"To succeed in Nurole’s vision for building better boards, it’s not enough just to find the best people for board roles in ways that traditional headhunting cannot,” said Oliver Cummings, CEO of Nurole. “Through the Nurole Community, we must also help people on the journey into the boardroom and help them maximise their impact once there. This acquisition enhances our position as a market leader on both fronts. By combining our networks, insights and experience, we will be even better placed to help leaders become exceptional candidates and stand-out board operators. The boardroom landscape is evolving, and we are here to help our members and clients thrive in that change."

What this means for members and clients

For now, both brands will continue to operate independently, ensuring continuity and familiarity for members. Membership fees will remain unchanged for existing WB Directors members, and the support members know and trust will continue. However, the collaboration will unlock new benefits:

● Stronger networks – a broader, more diverse community for connection and opportunity.

● Enhanced expertise – deeper insights and guidance from a combined team of board experts

● Greater resources – expanded events, learning and digital tools to support every stage of a board career.

“Joining Nurole is an exciting step,” said Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors. “We have worked hard to build a trusted community and a reputation for high-quality support, and this partnership allows us to take that to the next level"

Commitment to the future

The acquisition reinforces Nurole’s position as the leading network for non-executives and demonstrates its ongoing investment in broadening access to board opportunities for underrepresented groups.

"At a time when strong, inclusive, diverse governance is more important than ever, we are excited to welcome the WB Directors team into the Nurole family," added Nurole CEO, Oliver Cummings. "Together, we will continue to drive excellence and innovation in board-level talent."

For further information, please contact:

Tom Whiting

Nurole

[email protected]

+44 (0) 20 3637 1012

About Nurole

Nurole is rethinking board hiring and development to build better boards. Ranked in the FT1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, Nurole has built a global network and delivers around 1,000 board placements a year, with appointments across 28 countries and every major sector.

Combining intelligent technology with human search expertise, Nurole enables organisations—from FTSE companies, family businesses and investor-backed scale-ups to charities and public bodies—to find exceptional non-executive talent through its pioneering open hiring model and pop-up boards that bring outside insight to moments of change.

The Nurole Plus Community offers aspiring and serving board members the support needed to be stand-out candidates and strong board operators. Whether securing a first non-executive role, building a portfolio or looking to excel in current positions, through curated learning, networking and expert guidance, it’s designed to help create or develop a successful NED career.

Nurole also curates boardroom insight through its flagship podcast, Enter the Boardroom, featuring leading chairs and directors on what it takes to be a better board member today.

Learn more at www.nurole.com

About WB Directors

WB Directors is a purpose-led business working to improve diversity in executive and non-executive leadership.

Launched in 2012, it began by supporting women into non-executive board roles and has since expanded to partner with many corporates on developing diverse talent through inclusive professional and leadership strategies. Its work is gender-neutral and fully intersectional, helping leaders create effective, inclusive workplace cultures.

The Women on Boards membership network comprises thousands of members - predominantly female and highly diverse across demographics and professional backgrounds. On average, the network supports one member a day into a board position.

Learn more at www.wbdirectors.co.uk