De facto and shadow directors: Who’s really in charge around here?

Silhouettes of businesspeopleSilhouettes of businesspeople

De facto and shadow directors: Who’s really in charge around here?

October 05, 2023

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

In the most recent edition of the Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal from LexisNexis, Max Morrison, Courtney Lonsdale, and Douglas Highet considered the concepts of de facto and shadow directors in the context of directors’ duties and insolvency.  Please note that this article was first published in August 2023, and we are now able to re-publish with permission from LexisNexis. 

You can read the article here.

The materials on the Eversheds Sutherland website are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the materials may not reflect the most current legal developments. Eversheds Sutherland disclaims liability for actions taken based on the materials. Always consult a qualified lawyer for specific legal matters. To view the full disclaimer, see our Terms and Conditions or Disclaimer section in the footer.

Services

Key contacts

davidgray@eversheds-sutherland.com

David Gray

Partner

United Kingdom

doughighet@eversheds-sutherland.com

Douglas Highet

Professional Support Lawyer

United Kingdom

maxmorrison@eversheds-sutherland.com

Max Morrison

Senior Associate

United Kingdom

courtneylonsdale@eversheds-sutherland.com

Courtney Lonsdale

Associate

United Kingdom

Latest Insights

Latest News

  • client news
  • client news
  • firm news
  • client news

Latest Events

  • virtual | September 10, 2026
  • in-person | September 10, 2026
  • in-person | September 17, 2026
  • in-person | September 23, 2026
skyscrapers upward view symmetry modern corporate architecture city

legal updates

July 27, 2026

EU adopts its 21st sanctions package against Russia and Belarus

Tall glass skyscrapers urban business district modern city skyline

legal updates

July 24, 2026

Global payment matters - July 2026

Modern city high‑rise buildings glass exterior

legal updates

July 23, 2026

AI Governance Bill: Malaysia’s Next Step Towards the First AI Rulebook

47006486_l

legal updates

July 20, 2026

Industrials Unpacked #1: Supply Chain Contracts

© Eversheds Sutherland 2026. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. For further information about these entities and Eversheds Sutherlands' structure please see the Legal Notice page of this website.

Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed or affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited and Eversheds Sutherland (Africa) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global entity. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client. For further information about these Eversheds Sutherland Entities and Eversheds Sutherlands’ structure please see the Legal Notices page of this website. For information on Konexo please also see the Legal Notices page of this website.