Boards, directors & committees · Working
Lead independent director
Also called: senior independent director, SID
ELI5
An independent director designated to coordinate independent board leadership, especially where the chair is not independent.
Used in conversation
“The board paper must state who owns and approves lead independent director.”
Pitch context
You will see “Lead independent director” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches boards, directors & committees.
Why it matters: In boards, directors & committees, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16