There are five types of Directors:
Executive Directors are directors involved in managing a company e.g. Managing Director or Sales Director
Non-Executive Directors are directors not involved in the management of a company. They may be knowledgeable and experienced enough to be appointed to the Board of Directors to provide advice.
Alternate Directors are chosen by directors to act for them in their absence.
De facto Directors perform the duties of a director even though they are not formally appointed or registered.
Shadow Directors are not formally appointed as Directors but give instructions that are usually followed by the company’s directors. A shadow director has many of the legal responsibilities of an appointed director.