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Director Appointment Agreement
I need a director appointment agreement for a newly appointed director who will serve on the board of a mid-sized company. The agreement should outline their fiduciary duties, compensation package, and include a clause for a 3-month notice period for termination by either party.
What is a Director Appointment Agreement?
A Director Appointment Agreement formally establishes someone's role as a director on a company's board in New Zealand. It spells out the key terms of their appointment, including duties, compensation, and length of service under the Companies Act 1993.
This agreement protects both the company and the incoming director by clearly setting their expectations, responsibilities, and obligations. It typically covers important details like board meeting requirements, confidentiality rules, and any specific powers or limitations the director will have - making it an essential tool for good corporate governance.
When should you use a Director Appointment Agreement?
Use a Director Appointment Agreement when bringing new directors onto your company's board in New Zealand. This agreement becomes essential during leadership transitions, company expansions, or when establishing a new board structure - especially for growing businesses moving beyond founder-only governance.
The timing is particularly important before a director starts their duties. Having this agreement in place helps prevent misunderstandings about roles, protects company interests, and ensures compliance with the Companies Act 1993. It's particularly valuable when appointing independent directors or during significant corporate changes like mergers or restructuring.
What are the different types of Director Appointment Agreement?
- Standard Board Appointment: Basic agreement covering core director duties, term length, and compensation - ideal for small to medium companies.
- Executive Director Agreement: Enhanced version including both board and management responsibilities, often used for managing directors or CEO positions.
- Independent Director Version: Emphasizes autonomy and includes specific provisions about conflicts of interest and independence requirements.
- Specialist Director Agreement: Tailored for directors bringing specific expertise (like technology or finance), with custom responsibilities and performance metrics.
- Nominee Director Agreement: Used when directors represent specific shareholders or stakeholder groups, including reporting obligations and loyalty provisions.
Who should typically use a Director Appointment Agreement?
- Company Boards: Authorize and approve Director Appointment Agreements through formal board resolutions
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with NZ company law and governance requirements
- Incoming Directors: Review, negotiate, and sign the agreement before taking up their board position
- Company Secretary: Manages the documentation process and ensures proper filing with the Companies Office
- Shareholders: May need to approve certain director appointments, particularly in closely-held companies
- Existing Directors: Review and approve new appointments as part of their governance duties
How do you write a Director Appointment Agreement?
- Director Details: Gather full legal name, contact information, and any specific expertise or qualifications
- Appointment Terms: Define start date, duration, role expectations, and meeting commitments
- Compensation: Document director fees, reimbursement policies, and any additional benefits
- Company Information: Confirm company details, registration number, and registered office address
- Board Resolutions: Prepare necessary board approvals for the appointment
- Compliance Check: Review Companies Act requirements and company constitution provisions
- Document Review: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that includes all mandatory elements
What should be included in a Director Appointment Agreement?
- Parties and Roles: Full legal names of company and director, registered addresses, and position title
- Appointment Terms: Start date, duration, and conditions of appointment under Companies Act 1993
- Duties and Powers: Specific responsibilities, decision-making authority, and board meeting obligations
- Remuneration: Director fees, expenses, and payment terms
- Confidentiality: Protection of company information and trade secrets
- Termination Provisions: Conditions for ending the appointment and notice requirements
- Conflicts of Interest: Disclosure requirements and management procedures
- Governing Law: New Zealand jurisdiction and applicable regulations
What's the difference between a Director Appointment Agreement and a Director Services Agreement?
A Director Appointment Agreement differs significantly from a Director Services Agreement in several key aspects, though they're often confused. While both relate to director roles, their scope and purpose are distinct under New Zealand company law.
- Primary Purpose: Director Appointment Agreements establish the basic board position and governance role, while Director Services Agreements detail specific executive or management services beyond standard board duties
- Scope of Duties: Appointment agreements focus on statutory director obligations and board responsibilities, whereas services agreements cover operational involvement and day-to-day management tasks
- Compensation Structure: Appointment agreements typically include basic director fees, while services agreements outline comprehensive payment terms for additional executive services
- Legal Framework: Appointment agreements align primarily with Companies Act board requirements, while services agreements operate more like executive employment contracts
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