formand

Formand is a title used in Danish and Norwegian contexts for the person who presides over an organization, committee, or political party. It is closely equivalent to the English term chairperson and is used for heads of boards as well as leaders of associations, unions, and other bodies.

Role and duties: The formand typically presides at meetings, sets the agenda, ensures proper parliamentary procedure, keeps minutes, and coordinates the work of subgroups. The office also involves representing the organization externally and signing official documents. Depending on bylaws, the formand may have or lack a casting vote.

Selection and tenure: The formand is usually elected by the organization’s members or appointed by the governing board. Terms and re-election rules vary by body. Many organizations appoint a deputy or vice-chair, often called næstformand, to stand in when the formand is unavailable.

Context and variants: In politics, formand commonly denotes the leader of a party or movement. The Danish parliament’s presiding officer is commonly referred to as Folketingets formand (the Speaker of the Parliament). In corporate contexts the exact title varies by country and organization; boards in Danish use bestyrelsesformand, while in Norwegian contexts styreleder is frequently used.

Etymology: The word derives from Danish and Norwegian roots, combining form (designating order or structure) and mand (man). It has long been used to denote the head of a body and is now generally gender-neutral in Danish usage.