They are legally required to have some number of independent directors. This is to prevent executive backscratching, self-dealing, etc. The CEO of Avon is proba

They are legally required to have some number of independent directors. This is to prevent executive backscratching, self-dealing, etc. The CEO of Avon is probably on the board precisely because it's kind of random. Their job is to read the financials and keep an eye on the board members that have experience in the industry.