The Independent Director ― The Non-executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence

Independent Chairmen and Directors play a crucial role in business today. This comprehensive, global guide provides a unique insight into what it's like to be an Independent Chairman and Director, the contributions made to companies, and the challenges faced in these roles. It features a large range of international case studies from different sectors, which are used to explore eight central themes critical to business today. Supported by academic research and interviews with business leaders, the book provides a rare emphasis on 'soft skills', the importance of cultural flexibility, relationship building, and the value to boards of an independent perspective. It is essential reading both for current and aspiring Independent Chairmen or Directors, as well as for companies seeking to improve their boards.

Gerry Brown is currently Chairman of Novaquest Capital Management, a private equity firm focused on life sciences. Prior to this, he was Chairman of NFT Distribution Ltd and Senior Independent Director of Keller plc, the global leader in ground engineering. He was also Chairman of Biocompatibles International plc; the Senior Independent Director at Forth Ports plc; and he represented 3i on the Board of Vantec Corporation - a MBO from Nissan in Japan - until the very successful exit. Previous other independent directorships include Chairman of Upol Ltd, and Director of CH Jones Ltd, Michael Gerson Ltd and Datrontech plc. Gerry has also been an Independent Director of Quintiles, the largest global provider of bio pharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services.

Prior to his career as a Chairman/ Independent Director he was for many years an international senior business executive working in supply chain management, covering a variety of market sectors. He served as Operations Director of Exel plc (now DHL), was a Board member of TDG plc and was Chairman of Europe for Tibbett and Britten plc. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics. He is a Board Mentor with Critical Eye and is a member of the Council of the University of Exeter.