Brit-Speak: Vernon Dursley is a /Director/.

[davewitley]

Steve (the Great Lexicographer) wrote:

> I have been wondering as well what position Vernon holds at 
> Grunnings. I think a lot of people were assuming that he owned the 
> place, but the books don't say that, am I right? Can you 
> define "director" for me in one nice sentence that I can add to 
the 
> Strictly British section of the Lexicon?

I had a look at PS when this came up in the summer, and note that 
Vernon Dursley is described as 'the' director of Grunnings.  What 
that means depends a little on what Grunnings is.

If it is a limited company, with shareholders and a board of 
directors, that would imply to me that he is the Managing Director 
(also sometimes now known as the Chief Executive) of the company.  
He is in effect the person who runs the company, but he might own 
anything from nothing through a small stake to a majority of the 
shares.  I'm sure there must be a rough US equivalent - Senior Vice-
President?  He is not the Chairman of the board (I think this may be 
called the President in the US), which is a non-executive position.

I'm not quite sure what other forms of corporate governance might 
apply - I think even quite small businesses have limited liability 
('Ltd' after their name) but I'm not sure how they are owned and run.

I'd say the likelihood, given the general feel of the size (he 
shouts at several people IRC), it would be a private company (ie not 
listed on the Stock Exchange, so not 'plc' after its name) and he is 
the MD.  It's very common, though, not to occupy the whole of a 
building.

If you want a single sentence, something like 'As director, Vernon 
Dursley likely runs Grunnings but does not necessarily own it'.  
Second opinion, anyone?

David