The DAX supervisory boards

Between the Supervisory Boards of DAX companies there is a dense network with potential dangers. Sufficient control is questionable due to the high mandate load and, moreover, the statutory quota for women is not met.

There is a close network between the supervisory boards of DAX companies. This network endangers the independence and objectivity of corporate control and can lead to inefficiencies.

The shareholder representatives on the supervisory boards are very busy. On average, they hold more than three mandates and often serve on a management board of another large corporation. The question therefore arises as to whether all supervisory board members have sufficient capacities to adequately fulfil their monitoring function.

At the end of 2015, just under half of the DAX companies met the statutory women's quota for supervisory board members of 30%. The other half of the companies will be significantly restricted in their choice of persons in the future allocation of mandates. The appointment of women who already hold positions could further densify the network.

Please note: This study is available in German only.