Vorsitzenden

Vorsitzenden is the plural form of Vorsitzender, meaning chairperson or chairman. The term denotes the person who presides over a meeting or leads an organization or committee.

Typical duties include presiding over meetings, setting agendas, ensuring orderly procedure, moderating discussion, representing the body externally, and coordinating governance with committees. In many organizations they are responsible for signatory authority on official documents and for communicating decisions to members.

Contexts: In corporate governance, there are different chairs: Vorsitzender des Vorstands (chair of the executive board) and Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender (chairman of the supervisory board). In associations, clubs, and political parties the chair oversees general assemblies, chairs meetings, and acts as the primary spokesperson.

Selection and tenure: Chairs are usually elected by members or a higher governing body for a fixed term, with procedures for rotation, re-election, or replacement. They may be removed by a majority vote or through statutory provisions.

Language note: The gendered forms reflect German grammar: Vorsitzender (male), Vorsitzende (female). When referring to a mixed-gender group, the plural is die Vorsitzenden.