Definition

Noun: The highest-ranking executive in a corporation, ultimately responsible for the overall strategic direction, operations, and performance of the entire organization. The CEO reports to the company's board of directors and holds the authority to make major corporate decisions, manage resources, and appoint other senior leaders.

Usage

The term "chief executive officer" is a formal title used in business and corporate governance. It is typically used with the definite article "the" when referring to a specific person, or as part of a title preceding a name. * The chief executive officer will present the annual strategy to the shareholders. * She was appointed chief executive officer after a decade with the company. * A memo from Chief Executive Officer Jane Doe outlined the new priorities.

Examples

• The board of directors is searching for a new chief executive officer to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
• As chief executive officer, his primary duty is to maximize shareholder value.
• The chief executive officer made the final decision to enter the Asian market.

Advanced Usage

• "to serve as chief executive officer": This phrasing emphasizes the role or function held.
  • She served as chief executive officer during the most profitable decade in the company's history.
• The role is often discussed in the context of corporate structure and accountability: "The chief executive officer is accountable to the board."

Variants and Related Words

• CEO: The universally recognized and most common acronym for "chief executive officer."
  • The CEO will host a town hall meeting next week.
• Chief Executive: A slightly less formal variant, often used interchangeably with CEO.
• Managing Director (MD): A title often equivalent to CEO, commonly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
• President: In some corporate structures, the president is a separate role reporting to the CEO; in others, especially in the US, the titles "CEO" and "President" may be held by the same person.

Synonyms

• Head of the company
• Top executive
• Corporate head

Related Phrases

• Office of the CEO: Refers to the executive support staff and the formal authority of the position.
  • The directive came directly from the office of the CEO.
• CEO succession plan: A plan developed by the board for replacing the CEO.
  • The lack of a clear CEO succession plan worried investors.

Noun

1. the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)