The Role of the Lead Independent Director

Often referred to as “Lead Independent Director” (LID), “senior independent director” or sometimes “independent deputy chair”, the LID plays an essential and indispensable role on the board. Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) expects all companies to appoint a LID, whether or not such a role is incorporated within national corporate governance codes.

Where the board chair is not independent, including when the role is combined with that of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a LID’s presence on the board is vital to ensure there is an independent counter-balance to the chair.

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