Role of executive directors

• Executive directors wear two hats: that of

company employee, usually a senior
executive, and that of board member.
• All directors have the same responsibility
 Executive directors add value:

• Deep knowledge of the business

• Deep knowledge of the industry
• Technical expertise in their functional area
• Greater access to company information than
non-executive directors
 Challenges to directors
• Role confusion:
Governor or manager
Employer or employee

• Clear on the purpose

Executive director needs to focus on
strategic issues rather than operational
matters.
 Chief Executive Officer
•  The "chief executive officer" is (usually) the
singular organizational position that is
primarily responsible to carry out the strategic
plans and policies as established by the board
of directors.

By Carter McNamara
 Role/Responsibilities of CEO
• LEADER
• Advises the Board
• Advocates / promotes organization
• Supports motivation of employees

• VISIONARY / INFORMATION BEARER

• Ensures staff and Board have up-to-date information
• Looks to the future for change opportunities
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• Interfaces between Board and employees
• Interfaces between organization and community

• DECISION MAKER
• Formulates policies and planning 
• Decides or guides courses of action in operations by staff

• MANAGER
• Oversees operations of organization
• Implements plans
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• Manages human resources of organization
• Manages financial and physical resources

• BOARD DEVELOPER
• Selection and evaluation of board members
• Makes recommendations
• Supports Board's evaluation

• LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY