The Independent Director

'Gerry Brown has delivered a timely and excellent resource that should be essential reading for all existing and aspiring Independent Directors, and for all those involved in executive business education. The text articulately builds compelling, practical and comprehensive guidance to improve the quality of board performance, at a time when responsible business leadership is becoming ever more crucial. Through the case studies and detailed accounts, drawn from deep personal experience, Gerry draws out the lessons and themes in a uniquely accessible and educational way. The text strikes a measured balance of both the challenges but also the positive strategic influence that the Independent Director can, and should, bring to a wide range of organisations. Gerry's book is set to ignite debate and contribute significantly to better practice in board directorship in the coming years, and should be compulsory reading in all Business Schools.' - Malcolm Kirkup, Professorial Director MBA Programmes and Director of Educational Innovation, University of Edinburgh Business School 'Mr Brown is an experienced director who has sat on or chaired many boards, and his book draws on his varied experience to offer advice to aspiring board directors Several of the book's top tips are interesting, but Mr Brown's thoughts on the business of 'challenge' that is, questioning and disagreeing are the most insightful.' -Financial Times 'This book is a lively and thought provoking read which rightly acknowledges the increasingly central role of the independent director on company boards. It provides an accessible guide to what independent directors do, how they do it and why. Drawing on numerous real-life case studies, it demonstrates the variety and complexity of the dilemmas faced by the independent directors. It will be useful both to those who sit on boards and those who wish to know more about this increasingly important component of modern corporate governance.' -Dr. Roger Barker, Director of Corporate Governance and Professional Standards, Institute of Directors 'I thought there was no justification for another business book, least of all on corporate governance. I was wrong. Gerry Brown offers a rare mixture, deep thinking combined with practical experience, tested and conveyed via a rich array of eclectic corporate cultures and against different business cycles. No business problem is unique; a good independent director with the right chemistry operating in an appropriate corporate culture can prevent avoidable mistakes and mitigate others. Whether setting out as an independent director or you are a seasoned traveller, this book is a must read.' -Peter Waine, Director, Hanson Green "A fascinating and honest account of the opportunities and pitfalls of life as an Independent Director. Gerry Brown has a unique blend of executive and non-executive experience and his book brims with authority and useful tips. For those of us on Boards, The Independent Director is a must read." -Hugh Lenon, Chairman, Phoenix Equity Partners 'Gerry Brown has it right. In his introduction to his book The Independent Director, he observes that there are a great many books on governance and legal issues for independent directors. However, these books are handbooks that attempt to keep independent directors out of trouble. There is little that has been written for independent directors on the affirmative side. Gerry Brown has something novel to offer: How about a director that moves the company forward? His book offers the details of case studies as a foundation for themes that provide specific tools, in word and chart form, to help directors work with management to develop a strategic focus and move the company forward. The book is a welcome addition to the resources for independent directors and provides boards, and directors with the tools and insights they need to contribute to business success.' -Marianne M. Jennings, Professor Emeritus, Legal and Ethical Studies in Business, Arizona State University

Non-executive directors play a very important role in modern business. Providing a rare emphasis on 'soft skills', culture and relationship building, this comprehensive guide offers a unique insight into what it's actually like to be a non-executive director, backed up by global case studies, research and interviews.Non-executive directors play a very important role in modern business. Providing a rare emphasis on 'soft skills', culture and relationship building, this comprehensive guide offers a unique insight into what it's actually like to be a non-executive director, backed up by global case studies, research and interviews.