Who typically has the authority to remove a director from office?

The shareholders at a general meeting typically have the authority to remove a director from office. This reflects the principle of accountability that directors have to the owners of the company, who are the shareholders. According to company law in many jurisdictions, shareholders can exercise their rights to appoint and remove directors during general meetings, ensuring that the management remains aligned with the interests of the company's owners.

This process usually requires a vote at a general meeting, with a specified majority needed for a resolution to pass, emphasizing the power of the shareholders in governance matters. The possibility of removing a director through shareholder consensus helps maintain democratic control over the direction of the company and its management team.

In contrast, while the board of directors holds significant influence over operational matters and may have the power to recommend a director's removal, the actual authority to remove a director rests with the shareholders. The company secretary and the managing director do not have independent authority to remove directors; their roles are more about administration and execution of policies rather than governance.