Notes:
- Independence Criteria:Â A director is independent if they have no material relationship with the company (e.g., not an employee, not a major supplier, not a relative of management).
- US Standards:Â NYSE/Nasdaq require a majority of independent directors; Audit and Compensation committees must be 100% independent .
- Global Standards:Â UK Code recommends at least half the board be independent.
- Diversity:Â Modern boards prioritize diversity in gender, ethnicity, skills, and experience. Investor pressure (e.g., from BlackRock) makes this a governance imperative .