Executive Intelligence
What Boards Should Verify Before Appointing a CXO
Senior appointments are made on conviction. Conviction is stronger when it rests on independently established fact.
8 min read · Alpha Intel Advisory
The Board's Exposure
A chief executive or functional head carries authority over capital, people and reputation from the first week. Where the appointment later fails on integrity grounds, the question asked is not what the candidate concealed but what the board established before appointing.
Diligence at this level is an act of governance, not suspicion.
The Verification Set
A defensible pre-appointment review addresses the following as a minimum standard.
- Identity and continuous career timeline, with gaps explained
- Qualifications confirmed directly with awarding institutions
- Reason for departure from the two most recent senior roles
- Directorships, shareholdings and beneficial interests
- Regulatory, disciplinary and professional standing
- Civil and commercial litigation history, including in prior jurisdictions
- Conflicts of interest, including family and vendor relationships
- Public commentary and professional reputation among informed peers
Sequencing Matters
Diligence conducted after the offer is announced constrains the board's options. Conducted discreetly during the final shortlist, it preserves both the candidate's confidentiality and the board's freedom to act on what is found.
What a Good Review Produces
The output should not be a file of raw material. It should be a short, evidence-led assessment that separates confirmed fact from unconfirmed indication, states the limits of the enquiry, and sets out the questions the board may wish to put to the candidate directly.
This article is general guidance on method and standard. Alpha Intel does not publish client matters or identifying information without explicit written authorisation.