lead director

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead director" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary director in charge of a project, production, or organization, often in the context of film, theater, or corporate settings. Example: "The lead director for the upcoming film has a vision that will redefine the genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lead Director or Non-Executive Chair Retainers.

Harvard University

Mr. Snyder, 75, is Countrywide's lead director.

The New York Times

Lead Director Pay—When the Lead Director role began, it often was unpaid.

Harvard University

Worley H. Clark, Jr, previously Millennium's lead director, takes over as chairman of the board.

Additives for Polymers

Appointing an independent lead director only partly offsets that.

The New York Times

Having a strong lead director has been important to BlackRock.

The New York Times

The lead director, George Fisher, jumped to the company's defense.

The New York Times

Shareholders recently pressured Goldman into appointing a lead director.

The New York Times

He has served as the firm's lead director.

The New York Times

The lead director should have sufficient duties and responsibilities.

Columbia University

Lead Director roles and Director stock ownership guidelines were absent.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "lead director", ensure that the context clearly establishes their role as an independent director who provides leadership and oversight, particularly when the CEO also serves as the chairman of the board.

Common error

Not all companies require a "lead director". This role is most beneficial in companies where the CEO also serves as the chairman of the board, providing an independent check and balance. Avoid automatically assuming that every company structure necessitates this position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead director" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific role within a corporate board. It describes an individual who is a director and takes a leadership position, often when the CEO is also the chairman. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in corporate governance discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lead director" refers to a crucial role in corporate governance, particularly in companies where the CEO also chairs the board. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The role signifies an independent director tasked with providing leadership and oversight. Primarily found in news, academic, and formal business contexts, the “lead director” ensures a balance of power and effective governance. When employing the term "lead director", it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies its independent nature and oversight responsibilities. Alternatives include "presiding director" or "senior independent director".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Presiding director

This term emphasizes the director's role in leading meetings and overseeing board activities.

Senior independent director

Highlights the director's independence and seniority within the board structure.

Chief independent director

Similar to senior independent director, but emphasizes the leadership aspect.

Head director

A simpler term that denotes the director in charge.

Principal director

Emphasizes the director's primary role and responsibilities.

Board leader

A more general term indicating a leadership position within the board.

Independent board chair

Focuses on the independence of the chair, who may fulfill similar functions.

Chairman of the board

Specifies the chairman role, often encompassing leadership duties.

Designated director

Highlights the director who has been specifically appointed to a leadership role.

Governing director

Emphasizes the director's role in governing and overseeing the company's operations.

FAQs

What is the role of a "lead director" in a company?

The "lead director" serves as an independent leader on the board, especially when the CEO is also the chairman. They help ensure board independence, facilitate communication among directors, and provide oversight of management.

When is it appropriate to appoint a "lead director"?

Appointing a "lead director" is most appropriate when the CEO also serves as chairman of the board, creating a potential conflict of interest. The lead director provides an independent voice and ensures balanced governance.

What are some alternative titles for a "lead director"?

Alternatives include "presiding director", "senior independent director", or "chief independent director", depending on the specific responsibilities and emphasis.

Is a "lead director" as powerful as an independent chairman?

According to some sources, a "lead director" will rarely be as powerful as an independent chairman. While both roles aim to provide independent oversight, an independent chairman typically has broader authority and control over board agendas and governance matters.