diff --git a/GOVERNANCE.md b/GOVERNANCE.md
index 377ad0a438018e..85e7f5ddba754a 100644
--- a/GOVERNANCE.md
+++ b/GOVERNANCE.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 <!-- TOC -->
 
+* [Companions](#companions)
 * [Triagers](#triagers)
 * [Collaborators](#collaborators)
   * [Collaborator activities](#collaborator-activities)
@@ -16,6 +17,17 @@
 
 <!-- /TOC -->
 
+## Companions
+
+Companions are people recognized for their significant contributions to Node.js.
+Contributions can take many forms and is not limited to code committed to the
+[nodejs/node][] repository. Typically, a contributor becomes a Companion before
+becoming a Triager or Collaborator.
+
+See:
+
+* [List of companions](./README.md#companions)
+
 ## Triagers
 
 Triagers assess newly-opened issues in the [nodejs/node][] and [nodejs/help][]
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index c0868d20f9c85d..a973935a256788 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ that discourage, exhaust, or otherwise negatively affect other participants.
   * [TSC (Technical Steering Committee)](#tsc-technical-steering-committee)
   * [Collaborators](#collaborators)
   * [Triagers](#triagers)
+  * [Companions](#companions)
   * [Release keys](#release-keys)
 * [License](#license)
 
@@ -767,6 +768,10 @@ maintaining the Node.js project.
 Triagers follow the [Triage Guide](./doc/contributing/issues.md#triaging-a-bug-report) when
 responding to new issues.
 
+### Companions
+
+Companions are people recognized for their significant contributions to Node.js.
+
 ### Release keys
 
 Primary GPG keys for Node.js Releasers (some Releasers sign with subkeys):