The relentless attention to and growing regulation of executive compensation is making the role of Compensation Committee Chair far more demanding and more challenging. Given those needs, it's critical that Boards seek Chairs who have not only specific experience but also - given the highly emotional issues around executive pay - a proven sensibility in dealing with people and personalities.
This article recommends some key qualities for selecting a successful Comp Committee Chair:
- Character, courage and candor
- A consensus builder with a steel backbone
- Experience in running an organization
- The ability to be an external spokesman for programs
- Experience with more than one executive pay program
- A willingness to do the legwork and homework
