What Advisory Board Centre does

Advisory Board Centre is a privately held Australian professional body and certification authority for the advisory board sector, headquartered in Brisbane with peer presence across 33+ countries including Singapore, the UAE (Dubai), the United Kingdom (London), and the United States (Austin, Texas). Its foundational offering is the Certified Chair Executive Program, which trains and credentials advisory board chairs against its proprietary ABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework — a principles-led methodology built on 15+ years of research and refreshed on a biennial review cycle under independent ethics oversight. The company monetises through (1) one-time program fees (approximately AUD 7,140 / USD 4,660 / GBP 3,700) including the first year of membership, (2) recurring annual Professional Membership at AUD 990 + GST, (3) paid research reports such as the Rates and Engagement Report at AUD $499, (4) bespoke Advisory+ enterprise engagements covering board establishment, recruitment, and governance reviews, and (5) recurring revenue from events including the annual Megatrends Summit and Executive Insights webinar series.

The company's ecosystem is anchored by the Advisory Board World secure member portal (advisoryboard.world), which serves as the digital backbone for research access, weekly board opportunity listings, peer discussion groups, and event registration. The Global Research Council functions as an internal research arm producing primary and secondary research, while the Best Practice & Ethics Advisory Board provides independent oversight of the framework's evolution. Distribution is exercised through direct website enrolment for the flagship program, a consultative enterprise sales motion for Advisory+ services, regional Peer Advisory Groups in key markets (ANZ, Singapore, Greater China, Middle East, UK & Europe, Americas), and licensed localisation partners such as Advisory Board France for French-speaking markets.

Customer evidence spans federal and state governments in Australia (Australian Government, Queensland Government), large multinationals (Novo Nordisk, Fujitsu, DXC Technology, Critical Software, BDO), growth-stage and pre-IPO companies (foundU, SurePact, Ceres Tag), and not-for-profits/NGOs (Skateistan, United Way Montreal). The Advisory+ service line, the research library, the program suite (Plan Your Portfolio Career, Facilitation Skills for Impactful Meetings, Advisory Board Mentoring for Executives, Customised Training), and a new Fellowship Program together form a multi-tier revenue stack. The organisation claims more than 95% five-star Google reviews on the Certified Chair program, a global community operating in 33+ countries, and over AUD $1 million of pro bono advisory service commitments to the not-for-profit and social enterprise sector each year.

Name

Advisory Board Centre

Legal name

Advisory Board Centre Pty Ltd

Website

https://advisoryboardcentre.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Advisory Board Centre is a privately held Australian professional body and certification authority for the global advisory board sector. It trains and credentials advisory board chairs through its flagship Certified Chair Executive Program and proprietary ABF101 framework, serving professionals and organisations across 33+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification and Advisory Board Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Governance & Board Effectiveness Advisory (BPAHAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Strategy Advisory (BPAHADAA)

Keywords

• Advisory board certification
• Board governance training
• Executive education programs
• Governance consulting services
• Board recruitment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certified Chair Executive Program: The flagship executive education program delivered in-person across Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, Riyadh, Dubai, Melbourne, Austin, London (and virtually for Asia-Pacific). The program includes a 2-day in-person or 4 half-day virtual learning intensive plus 12-month professional membership. Pricing in USD 4,660 / GBP 3,700 / AUD 7,140. An additional optional module is available for the Aged Care sector.
2. Professional Membership: Annual professional membership reserved for Certified Chair credential holders. The first year is included in the program registration. Continuing annual membership costs AUD 990 + GST. Members receive access to 24/7 online platform, weekly updated chair and advisory opportunities, over 40 hours per year of professional development, exclusive events, best practice resources, discussion groups, and global community access.
3. Research Reports (Sales): The full Advisory Board Rates and Engagement Report 2026–2028 is available for purchase at AUD $499. State of the Market reports are available for free download or boardroom briefing sessions. Advisory Board Centre members access all reports free of charge via the secure member portal Advisory Board World.
4. Advisory+ Services for Organisations: Bespoke organisational support services including advisory board establishment and structure, board recruitment and shortlisting, governance and board reviews, and professional development for organisations and government bodies. Services are sold directly via an enterprise sales motion with confidential, tailored engagements. BDO is noted as a consulting partner providing advisory and consulting services.
5. Board Recruitment & Shortlisting: Bespoke board recruitment and shortlisting services providing organisations access to an exclusive global network of credentialed advisors, chairs, board members and directors. Organisations can also advertise existing board roles to the certified community. Services are tailored to complement existing recruitment channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Advisory Board Centre operates as a global professional body for the advisory board sector, offering the Certified Chair Executive Program (executive certification), Advisory+ organisational support services (board establishment, recruitment, and governance reviews), proprietary research (ABF101 Framework, State of the Market Report, Rates and Engagement Report), and annual Professional Membership with access to a credentialed peer network spanning 33+ countries.

Product overview

The Advisory Board Centre operates as a professional body offering a portfolio of certification, consulting, research, and membership services for the advisory board sector. The core offering is the Certified Chair™ Executive Program, which provides globally recognised certification for advisory board chairs. Supporting this are Advisory+ organisational support services covering board establishment, recruitment, and governance reviews. The research division produces the ABF101 Best Practice Framework, State of the Market Global Reports, and Rates and Engagement Reports. Professional membership provides ongoing peer networking, market intelligence, and professional development. Additional programs include portfolio career planning, facilitation skills, mentoring, and customised training. The ecosystem is anchored by the Global Research Council and a global network operating in over 33 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Certified Chair™: Flagship credential program for advisory board chairs - globally recognized certification for advisory board best practice
• Advisory+
• ABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework™
• Advisory Board World
• Global Research Council

Products and services

• Certified Chair Executive Program Flagship executive certification program that trains and certifies advisory board chairs globally, providing mastery of the ABF101 Best Practice Framework, personal portfolio strategy, and includes 12 months of Professional Membership. Delivered in-person (2-day) or virtually (4 half-days) at USD 4,660 / GBP 3,700 / AUD 7,140.
• Advisory+ Board Support Services Comprehensive organisational support services including advisory board establishment, board recruitment and shortlisting, governance and board reviews, and professional development for organisations and government bodies. Sold directly via consultative enterprise sales with confidential, tailored engagements.
• Advisory Board Establishment Tailored guidance on advisory board structures, governance mapping, and implementation planning for organisations creating advisory boards for the first time.
• Board Recruitment & Shortlisting Bespoke recruitment and shortlisting service providing organisations access to the global network of credentialed advisors, chairs, board members and directors aligned to organisational needs.
• Governance Reviews & Board Reviews Board effectiveness evaluations ensuring governance structures align with best practice, including comprehensive board performance assessments and strategic alignment reviews.
• ABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework Principles-led framework developed over 15 years of research setting out five core principles (Clarity of Scope, Structure and Discipline, Measurement, Independence, Fit for Purpose) to support organisations of any size to benefit from their advisory board. Subject to biennial consultation.
• State of the Market Global Report Landmark research report exploring the advisory board landscape, trends, and best practices with data on sector growth to 9.8 million professionals globally. Free executive summary available.
• Advisory Board Rates and Engagement Report Comprehensive global study on advisor remuneration and engagement patterns providing benchmarks and market trends. Full report available for AUD $499; executive summary free; members download free via Advisory Board World.
• Professional Membership Annual professional membership reserved for Certified Chair credential holders at AUD 990 + GST per year. Provides 24/7 access to the member platform (Advisory Board World), weekly updated chair and advisory opportunities, over 40 hours per year of professional development, exclusive events, best practice resources, and global community access.
• Plan Your Portfolio Career Program Career development program helping professionals discover their path to a portfolio career through executive education.
• Best Practice For Advisory Boards & Committees Education program for internal stakeholders including Advisory Board Managers on best practice implementation.
• Facilitation Skills for Impactful Meetings Professional development program developing expert facilitation skills to maximise meeting effectiveness.
• Advisory Board Mentoring for Executives Mentoring program providing powerful support to develop internal advisory board capability within organisations.
• Customised Advisory Board Training Tailored professional development pathway to activate Purpose, Process and People in organisational governance systems.
• Fellowship Program Program recognising outstanding advisory professionals with fellowship status.
• Advisory Board Education for the Aged Care Sector Optional additional module to the Certified Chair Executive Program focusing on aged care sector advisory board governance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 77% of organisations report positive outcomes when advisory boards are well-designed and aligned to organisational needs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Global Research CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024The Global Research Council is the Advisory Board Centre's internal research and development division. It drives primary and secondary research into advisory board practice, partners with academics and practitioners globally, and produces the State of the Market and Rates and Engagement reports. It is governed by an independent Best Practice & Ethics Advisory Board with members from government, academia, governance boards, institutional investors, and corporate organisations.
• BDOcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBDO is a key consulting partner providing advisory and consulting services. Bernard Curran, Chair of the Advisory Board Centre, is also affiliated with BDO as Advisor and Consultant. BDO is listed among quality engagement partners sharing a commitment to best practice.
• Queensland GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA long-standing corporate partner and supporter of the Advisory Board Centre. The Queensland Government (through Advance Queensland) has co-sponsored initiatives including the Female Founders Scholarship. The Advisory Board Centre has provided research and advisory board support to Queensland Government bodies.
• Advisory Board FrancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAn exclusive alliance supporting French-speaking professionals globally. Advisory Board France delivers the Certified Chair Executive Program in French, enabling broader international access to the world's leading certification for advisory board best practice. This is the primary localisation partner for program delivery.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACCA and the Advisory Board Centre have joined forces to elevate accountants' advisory expertise. This partnership aims to support ACCA members in developing advisory board competencies and credentials, expanding the pool of qualified advisory professionals.
• Advisory Board WorldcoreTechnology or IntegrationAdvisory Board World (advisoryboard.world) is the secure member portal for the Advisory Board Centre, providing 24/7 access to world-class events, best practice resources, advisory and chair opportunities, discussion groups, and the global community. It hosts event registration and is the platform for the Global Peer Advisory Groups.
• Maddocks (Law Firm)minorOthersMaddocks is listed as a quality engagement partner sharing a commitment to best practice. Nature of partnership focuses on legal and governance advisory support for clients.
• Lavan (Law Firm)minorOthersLavan is listed as a quality engagement partner sharing a commitment to best practice. Provides legal and corporate advisory services in the Australian market.
• RSM InternationalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRSM International is listed as a quality engagement partner. As a global accounting and consulting network, RSM likely provides accounting, tax, and advisory services that complement the Advisory Board Centre's governance and advisory offerings.
• Pedersen & PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPedersen & Partners is a strategic partner referenced in the Advisory Board Centre's latest insights. As a global executive search firm, they likely collaborate on board recruitment and talent placement for advisory boards.
• Australian Department of Industry, Science and ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government department partner supporting the advisory sector and business growth initiatives. Collaboration includes advocacy, sector development, and research dissemination at the national level.
• Queensland LeadersminorOthersQueensland Leaders is a business network listed as a partner. The relationship supports cross-promotion and referral of advisory board services within the Queensland business community.
• Landing PadminorOthersLanding Pad is an accelerator/incubator support partner. The Advisory Board Centre has provided scholarships and pro bono education to accelerator and incubator program managers to build leadership capacity in high-growth businesses.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Board Intelligence: Board Intelligence is a SaaS-enabled board effectiveness platform providing board reporting, decision support, and governance tools. It is an emerging player in the governance effectiveness space, with a software-led approach that contrasts Advisory Board Centre's professional services model.

Broad incumbents

• Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm with a major executive search and board services practice. It competes with Advisory Board Centre's Advisory+ recruitment and governance offerings as part of a much larger consulting and talent management portfolio.
• Egon Zehnder: Egon Zehnder is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm with strong board practice and proprietary leadership assessment tools. It is a comparable board advisory incumbent at much greater scale, competing for Advisory+ engagements.
• Russell Reynolds Associates: Russell Reynolds is a global executive search firm with significant board and CEO advisory practices. Overlaps with Advisory Board Centre's Advisory+ board recruitment and governance review services at materially greater scale.
• Diligent Corporation: Diligent is a global SaaS provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software for boards and executives. It is a broader incumbent in the governance software space serving an overlapping customer base of corporate boards and governance professionals.
• Spencer Stuart: Spencer Stuart is a leading global executive search firm with one of the most established board advisory practices. It is a broad incumbent offering board recruitment, effectiveness reviews, and governance consulting that overlap with Advisory+ services, but at significantly greater scale.
• Heidrick & Struggles: Heidrick & Struggles is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm with a major board advisory practice. It overlaps with Advisory Board Centre's Advisory+ recruitment and governance review services but as part of a much broader C-suite and board consulting portfolio.

Direct peers

• Institute of Directors (IoD) UK: IoD UK is a long-established professional body for company directors offering Chartered Director certification, training, and policy advocacy. It is a comparable professional membership and certification model in the governance space, with similar audience of senior executives and board professionals.
• National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD): NACD is the leading US membership organization for corporate directors, offering director education, certifications, and governance resources. It is the closest direct analogue to Advisory Board Centre as a professional body with certification programs for board effectiveness.
• Institute of Directors New Zealand: IoD NZ is a regional professional body for directors, also referenced as a podcast partner (Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast). Comparable governance professional body model with similar director education and advocacy mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advisory-board-centre
• Instagraminstagram.com/advisoryboardcentre

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Advisory Board Centre