Director

In relation to a company or other formal organization, a director is an officer (that is, someone who works for the company) charged with the conduct and management of its affairs. A director may be an inside director (a director who is also an officer or promoter or both) or an outside director (aslo known as an independent director or non-executive director). The directors collectively are referred to as a board of directors. Sometimes the board will appoint one of its members to be the chair or chairperson of the board of directors, traditionally also called chairman or chairwoman.

Directors are elected onto the board by the shareholders. In many small companies, the shareholders and directors are the same people so no formal voting takes place.

The duties and liabilities of the director are described in laws which vary from country to country.