The Changing Role of the Chairman: Impact of Corporate Governance Reform in the United Kingdom 1995-2005

Geoffrey Owen, Tom Kirchmaier

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Based on twenty-five semi-structured interviews with company chairmen, we were able to establish that there is resounding support for the split of the positions of chairman and CEO. In addition, chairmen play a key role in making the board a success, partly by establishing the right tone and procedure at the top. The chairmen we interviewed believe that the quality of boards has improved over the last ten years and that directors take their responsibilities more seriously. However, the drive for better corporate governance, though generally welcome, has in some respects become counterproductive.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Business Organization Law Review
Volume9
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)187-213
ISSN1566-7529
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chairman
  • CEO
  • Corporate board
  • Non-Executive Director (NED)
  • Senior independent director
  • Appointment
  • Independence
  • Corporate governance reform
  • United Kingdom
  • Outside director

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