de facto director

Definition

Person who is not a de jure director but performs the acts or duties of a director, or is judged to be a director in law. Any person who is not technically a director but according to whose directions and instructions (rather than expert or professional advice) other directors and/or employees are accustomed to act is legally deemed a de facto director. Whether or not such person fulfills the qualifications of a director, or enjoys the rights and privileges of a director, he or she is generally held liable as a de jure director. See also shadow director.