Top performers at most AGMs - the Chippendales? (8)

I believe the answer is:

chairmen

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'top performers' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for chairmen that I've seen before include "Meeting leaders" , "Meeting heads" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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