How Digital NEDs Are Bringing Value To The Boardroom

Technology is no longer a support function, but a strategic driver of growth and risk. From cybersecurity to AI governance, digital issues dominate board agendas, yet many boards lack the expertise to challenge and guide effectively.

This is where Digital NEDs add real value. A Digital NED brings experience in transformation, data strategy, and emerging technologies, combined with the ability to influence without control. For Chairs, appointing a Digital NED strengthens resilience and ensures technology investments align with long-term value. 

For CIOs, these roles offer a natural next step; broadening impact beyond a single organisation. However, success demands more than technical depth; it requires commercial acumen and the ability to translate complexity into strategic insight. As disruption accelerates, boards must act quickly.

At Odgers, we help organisations secure Digital NEDs and guide technology leaders on their journey to the boardroom. Below are stories from our valued network of NEDs and Technology leaders, sharing first-hand how digital expertise is shaping governance and why technology leaders are increasingly sought after for NED roles.

Watch the full conversations below and look out for more coming soon.

In this episode: Sarah Venning, Digital NED at AO World:

Sarah Venning brings deep, hands‑on digital leadership experience to the boardroom following an executive career spanning Pret A Manger, Merlin Entertainments, the John Lewis Partnership and Heathrow Airport. Now a Digital Non‑Executive Director at AO World, she joins Andrew Jenkins to discuss the evolving role of the digital NED and why digital expertise has become indispensable for boards navigating volatility, opportunity and rapid technological change.

Sarah explores:

• Why combining an executive role with a NED position can sharpen skills, broaden perspective and strengthen board decision‑making.
• How digital NEDs can elevate conversations around AI, cybersecurity and commercial digital models, particularly in digitally literate organisations.
• The mindset shifts required when moving from executive to non‑executive leadership, and how to influence effectively through questioning, trust and relationship‑building.
• What aspiring digital NEDs should consider when choosing a board role, from time commitment to digital maturity to personal learning.

In this episode: Sanjeevan Bala, NED at SThree and Bakkavor.

Sanjeevan Bala brings a wealth of experience to the boardroom as a NED at FTSE 250 companies SThree and Bakkavor, following an executive career that includes serving as Chief Data and AI Officer at ITV. In his conversation with Andrew Jenkins, Sanjeevan shares a compelling perspective on why digital expertise is vital for boards navigating rapid technological change and economic uncertainty.

Sanjeevan discusses:

• The importance of horizon scanning and risk-adjusted decision making in an era of accelerating innovation.
• The unique ability of technology leaders to influence without direct control, shaping strategy and amplifying impact.
• Helping boards balance risk with opportunity while driving innovation.

Leading Through Uncertainty

Alongside the everyday demands of their organisations, today's leaders are facing obstacles and challenges on an unprecedented scale.

Our ‘Leading Through Uncertainty’ series explores how senior leaders manage continual complexity, ambiguity and transformation. In a world where change is the only constant, we spotlight the real-world, inspirational stories of leadership in uncertain times.

Explore our ‘Leading Through Uncertainty’ collection here.

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Get in touch. Follow the links below to learn more, or connect directly with our dedicated executive search experts and Digital & Technology Officer leadership consultants at your local Odgers office here.