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Published on:

December 1, 2024

Udeetta Sarma

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Types of Directors in Company Law

At the delicate intersection of corporate governance, directors are instrumental in guiding companies toward their strategic goals. The Companies Act, 2013 classifies directors into different types with specific roles, responsibilities and qualifications applicable in India. Knowledge of these classifications helps in carrying out the right corporate governance and compliance with statutory requirements.

Who is a Director?

According to Section 2(34) of the Companies Act, 2013, a director is a person who is appointed to the board of a company. They render services as the company’s agents, trustees and representatives in administering and directing its business affairs. The Board of Directors act as the governing body which consists of directors responsible for company policy, strategies and high-level oversight.

To understand their significance, it is important to dive into the various types of directors in a company and their respective functions.

Types of Directors in Company Law

1. Executive Directors

Executive directors play essential roles in the day-to-day running of a company. These are employees who work full-time and play an active role in the management and decision-making of the firm. Because they are intimately involved with the workings of the company, hence get good insights into how it works.

Subcategories:

Managing Director:

Under Section 2(54) of the Companies Act, 2013 a managing director is given such powers of management. These powers can be delegated via the company’s articles of association, a board resolution or an arrangement. The managing director is responsible for the overall operations and strategic direction of the company.

Whole-Time Director:

The Act defines a Whole-Time Director as a director who is in whole-time employment of the company (Sec. They oversee certain operational domains and ensure that the day-to-day operations of a company are in service of its strategic goals.

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2. Non-Executive Directors

Non-executive directors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the company. They do not lead; rather, they provide oversight and an outside perspective on the board’s deliberations. Corporate Directors are primarily responsible for overseeing executive management to make sure the company is being run in the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.

Subcategories:

Independent Director:

An independent director under the Companies Act, 2013 means a non-executive director (other than an alternative/director) who, apart from receiving remuneration as a director does not have any material or pecuniary relationship with the company, its promoters and directors. Additionally, they are independent which allows board decisions to be judged without bias Public companies listed there must have independent directors on at least one-third of their boards.

Nominee Director:

The nominee directors are appointed by the persons of certain stakeholders like financial institutions, banks or venture capitalists. Their appointment is standard practice in investment agreements, ensuring that the party behind its nomination has a say at the board level.

3. Additional Directors

The articles of incorporation may permit board members to appoint additional directors. These directors are in office until the next annual general meeting when shareholders vote on whether to retain them. This provision enables companies to import expertise or fill vacancies without waiting for shareholder meetings.

4. Alternate Directors

An alternate director is a person who replaces a director in case of their absence (usually when the original director leaves the country for more than three months). The board of directors has instituted a clause that, in the case of someone resigning or getting sacked to make sure that the machine continues to work unhindered an alternate director (the first alternative is for Laurent) is appointed.

5. Shadow Directors

A shadow director is a person who, despite not having been duly appointed to the board or in any formal way, can control the behaviour of his directors. The board is used to doing what they say. Indian law subjects such people to liability as directors if their influence is exerted on the company's decisions.

6.De Facto Directors

De facto directors – those who are acting as a director, even though they have not been formally appointed. They exercise the functions of a director and are regarded as such by the company and third parties. Although no formal appointment is made, they may be liable for their actions as though they were formally appointed directors.

7. Resident Directors

As per section 149(3) under the Companies Act, 2013 every company shall have at least one director who has been staying in India for a continuous period of not less than 182 days during the preceding calendar year. This is to ensure that a director is present in the country for matters relating to the company.

8. Women Directors

Some companies must have at least one female director. This mandate applies to:

Listed companies.
Listed companies having a paid-up share capital of ₹100 crore or more, or a turnover of ₹300 crore or more.

The provision is intended to be a corrective measure for the lack of women on corporate boards and reflects the belief that women bring valuable perspectives to corporate decision-making.

9. Small Shareholders' Directors

As per the rules, listed companies can have a director representing small shareholders, who are defined as those whose shares in the company are of a nominal value not exceeding ₹20,000. This clause ensures the representation of small investors' interests on the board.

Speaking of companies, you might also be interested in ‍How to Start a Construction Company in India

Qualifications of Directors

As per the Companies Act, of 2013, there are certain qualifications and disqualifications for the appointment of an individual as a director:

1. Age:

Must be 18 to direct. However, in the case of managing and whole-time directors, the age limit is 70 years. Nevertheless, a company can appoint a person over 70 years by passing a special resolution.

2. Director Identification Number:

An individual who is proposed to be appointed as director shall also obtain a DIN by making an application with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This number — unique to each director — is a requirement for all directors.

3. Disqualifications:

Persons shall be disqualified from being appointed as directors in the following circumstances;

Not of sound mind and declared so by a competent court.
Are undischarged insolvents.
Applied for adjudication as insolvent and their application is pending.
Been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment for six months or more.
Has not paid any call in respect of shares of the company held by them, whether individually or jointly with others and a period of six months has elapsed from the day appointed for the payment of call.
Been disqualified from being an MP by a court or tribunal under the Act.

Difference Between Executive Director and Non-Executive Director

Aspect	Executive Directors	Non-Executive Directors
Role and Involvement	Actively involved in the company's daily management and operations.	Primarily offer strategic guidance and monitor the executive team’s performance.
Employment	Full-time employees of the company.	Not employed full-time by the company.
Decision-Making	Have hands-on involvement in operational decisions.	Provide oversight and objectivity in decision-making processes.
Accountability	Responsible for implementing board decisions and achieving business goals.	Focus on ensuring the company adheres to governance and compliance standards.
Remuneration	Receive a salary, allowances, and other benefits as employees.	Typically receive sitting fees and additional compensation for board services.
Focus	Primarily on operational efficiency, performance, and execution of strategies.	Focuses on long-term strategy, risk management, and external perspectives.
Legal Responsibilities	Directly accountable for day-to-day compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.	Provide assurance that governance and regulatory practices are being followed.
Time Commitment	Full-time commitment to the organization.	Part-time commitment, attending board meetings and providing guidance.
Perspective	Internal perspective with a focus on operational details.	External and independent perspective to ensure balanced decision-making.
Conflict of Interest	May have potential conflicts due to deeper involvement in operations.	Expected to maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest.

Conclusion

The concept of directors under Indian company law is itself complex and consists of many types which shows every aspect of corporate governance. From advisors to leaders, each director type plays their part towards a company’s success across decisions, management and compliance. Executive directors are heads of operational zones while non-executive directors provide oversight and strategic guidance to the organization. The Companies Act, of 2013 protects corporate boards by laying out a set of qualifications and disqualifications.

For companies, the difference matters not only as a legal matter but also as a route to sustainable growth and trust among stakeholders. As corporate governance evolves, directors continue to play a key role in providing the leadership necessary for executive management teams and their shareholders to build successful businesses in an ever-complex economic environment.

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FAQ

1. What are the types of Directors in a Company under Indian company law?

Indian recognizes several types of directors in company law, including executive directors, non-executive directors, independent directors, nominee directors, additional directors, alternate directors, resident directors, women directors, and small shareholders’ directors. Each type has a unique role and purpose, tailored to ensure effective governance and compliance.

2. What is the difference between executive director and non-executive director?

Executive directors work on a full-time basis and are closely involved with the day-to-day management of the company, whereas non-executive directors provide strategic direction and oversight. Non-executive directors are not employees of the firm and have an outside independent viewpoint in making decisions.

3. What is the required qualification of directors?

A director needs to be an individual of legal age (18 years) and also this person must possess a valid Director Identification Number (DIN). They must not be disqualified for reasons of being insolvent, of unsound mind or following imprisonment of six months or more in criminal cases etc.

4. Why is an Independent Director Necessary for a Company?

An independent director resides a fresh, detached viewpoint on the board and is not associated with the company via material or añnual connection. Well, the main job of these people is to ensure that stakeholders' decisions are taken and it also boosts corporate governance and transparency in a company.

5. Should All Companies Have Women Directors?

No, it applies only to a few companies which are required to have at least one woman director. These are the listed companies and public companies whose paid-up share capital is ₹100 crore or more, or whose turnover is ₹300 crore or more (as per Companies Act, 2013).