The origins of the AICD can be traced back to the United Kingdom's Institute of Directors (IoD), formed by royal charter in 1906.

These branches were amalgamated in January 1971 under the Institute of Directors in Australia, an autonomous body affiliated with the IoD in the United Kingdom.

GNDI is composed of member organizations for directors from Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa.

Angus Armor FAICD joined as managing director and chief executive officer in August 2017.

[2] There are six categories of membership: AICD courses provide access to professional development opportunities for those interested in directorship and governance.