Who elects the corporate board of directors?

The corporate board of directors is elected by shareholders, who hold ownership stakes in the company. Shareholders have the right to vote on key issues, including the election of board members, because they are the entities that invest in the company and have a vested interest in its governance and success. Through this election process, shareholders can influence the composition of the board, ensuring that it reflects their interests and priorities for the company's direction and management.

This system of election emphasizes the principle of shareholder democracy, where those who invest in a company have a say in its leadership. The board of directors is responsible for making significant decisions and setting policies that guide the company's operations, making their composition crucial for stakeholder interests. This is why shareholders play a fundamental role in electing the board, distinguishing them from other stakeholders like creditors, employees, or suppliers, who may have other types of relationships with the company but do not hold voting power regarding board election.