In each issue of C-Suite magazine, we highlight stories of public company board members who have started their first directorship within the past two years, providing perspectives and impressions of their new roles.
What was your path to joining the AutoZone (AZO) board, and what led you to decide it was the right fit?
Gale King: My path to joining the AutoZone board came from a business referral who had worked with me and thought that my experiences and leadership approach could add value to the board. After being contacted by AutoZone and going through their interview process—which included interviews with the CEO, board members and executive team members, as well as conducting my own research of the company—I knew this was a company I wanted to be associated with. I was pleased to join the board because of the company’s strong customer and performance orientation, and strong culture, and because I felt it was an organization that I could add value to and one that would welcome a strong partner.
Have there been any surprises in terms of what you expected from the responsibilities of a public company director?
King: As a member of Nationwide’s Executive team, I have been fortunate to work directly with Nationwide’s board of directors and as management liaison to the HR and Compensation Committee. Because of these interactions, I was aware that the responsibilities of a director are significant and different from those of management. So, while there have been no major surprises, every board meeting makes you a stronger board member. For leaders who do not currently have interactions with board members, the key differences are the board’s accountability for strategy setting, fiduciary accountability and its oversight responsibility versus day-to-day operations. I have been impressed with the governance and strong and open relationship that exists between the board and management at both Nationwide and AutoZone.
What advice would you impart to other executives seeking their first board seats?
King: I believe when looking for a board seat you should do the following:
Gale King is Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Nationwide, a Fortune 66 financial services company with 33,000 associates. She is responsible for Human Resources, Corporate Real Estate, Corporate Security and Aviation. Under her leadership, the company has been recognized for its leading HR practices and as an employer of choice for its strong culture, performance orientation and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ms. King is on the Board of Directors for AutoZone (AZO), serving on the compensation committee. She is active in the community and serves on the board of directors for the National Urban League, the University of Florida Foundation, the Columbus Museum of Art and the Executive Leadership Council.