International Board Program

Taking DirectWomen’s Mission Global

In 2023, DirectWomen hosted its first-ever program outside the United States, Unlocking the Secrets of International Board Opportunities, in London. The sold-out program brought together more than 100 CEOs, board directors, search firm executives, general counsel, top law firm leaders, and aspiring board directors from the US, UK, and Europe. Driven by demand for DirectWomen’s unique programming abroad, the organization has held sold-out International Boards Programs annually since 2023, including at the United States of America Embassy in London in 2024 and at the London Stock Exchange in 2025, where DirectWomen participated in the Exchange’s closing ceremony on 18 June 2025.

Each year, this invite-only event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to make meaningful connections with DirectWomen’s powerful network from around the world. In addition to ample networking opportunities, the program includes engaging panel discussions in which our distinguished speakers pull back the veil of mystery around obtaining an international corporate board seat and explore what companies really want in a director.

Breaking Into The Corporate Boardroom: The Pathways and the Process 

Featured Panelists:

Gabriele Apfelbacher, Non-Executive Director, Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited (KBRA Europe) and Nomura Financial Products Europe GmbH; Senior Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb

Laura Franco, Non-Executive Director, Grab Holdings Limited and Virgin Voyages; Former Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Isabel Gomes, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Vice-Secretary, Almirall SA

(Moderator) Hillary A. Sale, Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Leadership and Corporate Governance and Professor of Management, Georgetown University; Director, Cboe U.S. Securities Exchanges, Cboe Futures Exchange, and Legg Mason and Putnam Closed End Funds; Advisory Board Member, Foundation Press

Beyond the Bylaws: Busting Boardroom Myths

Featured Panelists:

Diana Brightmore-Armour, Non-Executive Director, Marsh UK Limited, Marsh McLennan, and Mercer UK; CEO, C. Hoare & Co.

Aedamar Comiskey, Non-Executive Director, Babcock International Group PLC; Senior Partner and Chair, Linklaters

Mary O’Connor, Non-Executive Director, Ascot Lloyd, Carne Group, and Hargreaves Lansdown; Former Acting CEO, KPMG UK

(Moderator) Tamara Box, Non-Executive Director, Interpath Ltd; Former Partner and Managing Partner, Europe and Middle East, Reed Smith LLP

An International Celebration

In June 2025, DirectWomen celebrated 200 corporate board seats held by DirectWomen Board Institute alumnae at The London Stock Exchange’s 18 June 2025 closing ceremony.

As DirectWomen Chair Lily Yan Hughes said:

“As we celebrate our 200th corporate board seat, we reflect on all that DirectWomen and our distinguished alumnae have accomplished since 2007. These women have shown that their skills and talent benefit corporate bottom lines and help remove barriers for other women to serve. We encourage all companies listed on the London Stock Exchange to consider women lawyers for future director roles.n lawyers for future director roles.”

Read the full recognition from the London Stock Exchange →