“That shift is not just cosmetic,” said Ryan Hourihan, a managing director at Pearl Meyer. “It reflects a deliberate effort to create flexibility in how directors are deployed across committees without compensation as a barrier.”

“We’re seeing that public walkback a little more overtly on the DEI side, but certainly it’s changing on the climate side, as well,” said Jannice Koors, senior managing director at executive compensation consulting firm Pearl Meyer.

“As our clients increase their focus on the strategic importance of human capital and talent management, we will build on Pearl Meyer’s longstanding strengths—enhancing our platform while preserving the deep expertise, independence, and client-centric approach that define our firm,” Traxler said.