A CEO is the highest-ranking individual within an organisation, and has responsibility for the results, performance and success of the company. They will determine the vision and direction of the business, as well as developing and implementing long-term strategies with the aim of increasing shareholder value.
The CEO is the top operational decision-maker and will oversee all departments within the organisation, ensuring that each of these business areas is operating efficiently and effectively, and that targets are being met. The role provides inspirational leadership to the executive team and to the wider business, and sets the overall company culture.
The CEO reports is accountable to the board of directors. Occasionally the postholder may sometimes also be the chair, (although generally accepted principles of corporate governance would recommend that this is not the case). The roles and responsibilities of a CEO will vary depending on the company size and structure. In smaller companies, the CEO will have a wider remit and, as well as driving company strategy, they will be involved in more ‘hands-on’ activities, such as the hiring of staff. In larger companies, they will focus on high-level corporate strategy and policy, as well as liaising with shareholders.
