The Nuts and Bolts on Executive Sessions

A board’s success can depend on the strength of the independent directors. But as boards become more centralized around the CEO’s carefully choreographed meetings, there’s greater potential for kabuki-style processes, with all decisions eventually funneling through one member of management. Executive sessions may be instrumental to the strength of independent directors and should be a part of the board’s meeting schedule. Most boards believe they hold management accountable. Nearly three-in-four (74%) of the directors, chairs and chief executives surveyed by Bank Director in 2021 said their board had several directors willing to ask difficult, challenging questions. Another 72% felt free...