Private Company Director‘s Directors to Watch 2024 highlights 24 significant and diverse directors who have contributed to and will continue to expand ongoing dialogue on board best practices and corporate governance excellence.
Steven R. Zirkel
Bard Manufacturing, The Plastek Group, OhioGuidestone, TutorSmart
Steven R. Zirkel, a seasoned international business leader with nearly 40 years of global expertise, is the CEO and founder of Blue Everest LLC. Specializing in strategic growth consulting, business advising and executive coaching, he collaborates with Fortune 500 companies and family businesses to formulate growth strategies.
As an independent director for Bard Manufacturing, The Plastek Group, OhioGuidestone and TutorSmart, Zirkel chairs the audit & finance committee and cochairs the governance committee. He cochairs the PDA’s Private Company Governance certification program, highlighting his passion for board excellence.
Previously, Zirkel served as an independent board member at several companies. He formerly held senior executive positions at Fortune 500 companies in Japan/Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
A commitment to growth for all principals: “Great corporate governance centers on a commitment to growth for the company, CEO, executives and the board of directors. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning, along with prior executive experiences, a board member will be better prepared to address new, first-time challenges and situations that a company or board may encounter. Every company is unique; one must apply their considerable learnings accordingly. Building a strong and solid committee foundation is key, especially for finance, audit, nom/gov and human capital/compensation committees. Having both an overall board and individual assessment process linked with continuing education will further strengthen the board and company.”