We find that our clients are often confused by these terms- hopefully this brings clarity:
Executive
Those (on the board or not) who have management authority and responsibilities. The Managing Director, “Executive Director”, Chief Executive Officer, CFO, COO, etc are all executives.
Non-Executive
Those who serve on the board or any other structure of the organisation (advisory council, committees) who do not have any managerial responsibility for day to day running of the organisation
Independent
A non-executive board member who is not remunerated by the organisation for any services provided to the organisation (other than board fees, if applicable) and who has no personal connection to or financial interest in the organisation.(For contemplation: King IV states that once a board member has served for nine years, they are no longer truly independent anymore, in that they will have got too comfortable and familiar to be able to wield the sharp edge of independent perspective required)
Ex Officio
Those who are on the board automatically because of some other position they hold, either in the organisation or in another organisation.