Definition: CEO is the abbreviation for Chief Executive Officer. The title is assigned to the most senior executive within a corporation. It designates this individual as the person most responsible for the company meeting the goals set by the Board of Directors.
The CEO manages the organization through a team of senior executives. In very large organizations, these executives also have titles as chief officers for their function. (For example, the most senior financial executive is called the Chief Financial Officer or CFO.)
Some smaller organizations also will use the CEO title for their most senior executive. He or she may have fewer direct reports and their titles may be manager, director, or vice president.
Regardless of company size, the CEO is responsible for the strategic success of the organization and usually delegates the day-to-day operational responsibility.
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Also Known As: Chief Executive Officer
Examples:
The CEO meets with the Board of Directors quarterly to review the company's progress toward the strategic goals that have been established.
