"Viceroy" Gunray?

[Srynerson]

Something that's been nagging at me for the last 6 years is that Nute Gunray's title is "Viceroy". The term means "governor of a country, province, or colony, ruling as the representative of a sovereign," which means a priori that someone who holds that title is answerable to a higher authority. However, Gunray is very obviously the top political office-holder of the Trade Federation. Has this issue been dealt with in EU materials? Assuming it hasn't, the two most likely solutions I see to this problem are either (a) the Trade Federation also has an impotent, virtually anonymous, monarch, like the "shadow caliphs" appointed by the Mamluks in Egypt, or (b) the title is a remnant of a time when the Trade Federation actually had a monarch even though that position no longer exists, like the remaining principalities of Europe whose overarching kingdoms or empires have disappeared.

[Jack Bauer]

I think the term "Viceroy" applies to some sort of leadership role that Gunray has over the Neimodians, as opposed to the Trade Federation. As regards to the TF, he's more of a chairman of a board of directors.

In fact, I think they talk about the Neimoidians (specifically Gunray) assuming control of the Trade Federation board of directors from the other shareholders (including humans) in the book Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[RThurmont]

My theory is that the Trade Federation, rather than being a corporation in itself, as many speculate, is an alliance of shipping companies under Neimoidian control that over the years has acquired considerable commercial and political clout.

As a result, I think Viceroy Gunray is probably closer to being a "Managing Partner" than Chairman. One does have to wonder who the sovereign is, though. An aesthetic answer tied into my theory, but nowhere validated at all in any of the material, would be that the "sovereign" of the Trade Federation is in fact the member companies, and that as Viceroy, Gunray represents their interests by managing the military and political operations of the Trade Federation, leaving the "sovereign" to focus on managing what could be considered the "homeland"-that is, the commercial operations.

[Darth Fanboy]

The Republic had enjoyed centuries of growth and prosperity; it was inevitable that its wealth would foster those with greed to match. The varied instruments of trade and commerce banded together into galaxy-spanning organizations meant to aggrandize their profits. Coalitions such as the Trade Federation, Commerce Guild, Techno Union, and the Intergalactic Banking Clan consolidated their individual markets under governing bodies of such size that they exhibited pull on the actions of the Galactic Senate.

The Trade Federation was a consortium of merchants and transportation providers that effectively controlled shipping throughout the galaxy. Under the rule of the scheming Neimoidians, it had attained enough clout to have full representation in the Galactic Senate, as if it were a member world. In order to rein in the Trade Federation, as well as raise funds for an overburdened government, the Republic approved the taxation of outlying trade routes.

Outraged, the Trade Federation brazenly blockaded the peaceful planet of Naboo in protest. Its fleet of massive battleships surrounded the pastoral world, cutting off direly needed supplies to the planet. The bold action caused great uproar in the Senate, marking yet another scandal in Chancellor Valorum's checkered career. Eager to resolve the dispute, he secretly dispatched a pair of Jedi ambassadors to Naboo to parley with the Neimoidians.

Neimoidians are known for their exceptional organizational and business skills, but Nute Gunray was more cutthroat than most. His unscrupulous nature saw him ascend to the position of Viceroy of the Trade Federation. As the executive officer of the Trade Federation, it was Gunray who led the blockade and subsequent invasion of Naboo. The assurances of Darth Sidious, his shadowy Sith benefactor, led Gunray down this ambitious and blatantly illegal path.

On top of that, if a company decides to have their top official be a Viceroy, especially when said official is not elected and is the chosen representative to the Galactic Senate, then why is it an issue?

[The Original Nex]

and is the chosen representative to the Galactic Senate, then why is it an issue?

He's NOT the representative to the Senate, Lott Dodd is the Trade Federation Senator.

[NecronLord]

Presumably he answers to Trade Federation shareholders.

[Lord Revan]

We that Trade Federation did have Executive Council that was killed (apart of Nemodians) when their B1 guards turned on them, leaving Nute Gunray as sole survivor, so it's possible the term "viceroy" means that person rules in place of said council (until a new council is appointed).

[Pcm979]

You silly beings. Obviously the sapient in charge of the Trade Federation is named Roy, and Gunray is second in command.

[Cykeisme]

You silly beings. Obviously the sapient in charge of the Trade Federation is named Roy, and Gunray is second in command.

[RThurmont]

Presumably he answers to Trade Federation shareholders.

Now that we know that it's canon that the Federation is in fact an industry alliance rather than a corporation in itself, he wouldn't technically be answering to shareholders, but to members of the Trade Federation. In turn, those member companies would be answering to their shareholders.

[Srynerson]

On top of that, if a company decides to have their top official be a Viceroy, especially when said official is not elected and is the chosen representative to the Galactic Senate, then why is it an issue?

There's nothing technically stopping them, it's just that the title by definition implies a superior authority. I mean, sure, a corporation could give its top official the title "Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer" despite the lack of anyone with the title "Chief Executive Officer", but it would seem very strange. And thanks to everyone who answered.

[Darth Fanboy]

and is the chosen representative to the Galactic Senate, then why is it an issue?

He's NOT the representative to the Senate, Lott Dodd is the Trade Federation Senator.

My mistake, shit I even made sure to use Lott Dod in my RoTS fic. I think what I should have said is "Chosen Representative of the Government". Thanks for pointing that out Nex.

[Darth Fanboy]

There's nothing technically stopping them, it's just that the title by definition implies a superior authority. I mean, sure, a corporation could give its top official the title "Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer" despite the lack of anyone with the title "Chief Executive Officer", but it would seem very strange. And thanks to everyone who answered.

But he does have a superior authority, when compared to the heads of corporations and businesses as we know them. He has a palace, and control over a powerful military force, and actual political power since he also serves the functions of a governor (one with business interests in mind.)

[Srynerson]

There's nothing technically stopping them, it's just that the title by definition implies a superior authority. I mean, sure, a corporation could give its top official the title "Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer" despite the lack of anyone with the title "Chief Executive Officer", but it would seem very strange. And thanks to everyone who answered.

But he does have a superior authority, when compared to the heads of corporations and businesses as we know them. He has a palace, and control over a powerful military force, and actual political power since he also serves the functions of a governor (one with business interests in mind.)

By "a superior authority" I meant "an authority superior to him". As noted in the OP, by definition a "viceroy" serves as the representative of a sovereign.

[Darth Fanboy]

Ohhhhhhhhhh....my bad.