BBC Learning English 地道英语 The CEO of（某事物或某领域的）达人

Becoming a CEO usually takes many years of moving up and understanding an industry. With so few CEO positions, this is a highly competitive position that requires strategy, adaptability, and resilience. A CEO, especially in a dynamic and competitive business environment, frequently has to make crucial decisions in a short amount of time.

Soft skills 软技能

You need experience in a variety of different roles and departments to understand different aspects of the business. Try out different companies to see what kind of culture you like and learn as much as you possibly can about the industry. If you’ve got your eye on becoming a CEO, pursuing an MBA or MSML will help you refine your managerial expertise and develop stronger business acumen. If you’re passionate about strategy, consider CEO; if finance is your strength, CFO; if you love tech, CTO or CIO may fit. “Los Angeles is the most important U.S. city in the western hemisphere,” said Gunjan Bagla, chief executive of the U.S. and India consultancy firm Amritt. Meanwhile, the COO looks inward — focusing on team dynamics, internal systems, and day-to-day operations.

At large firms, boards justify these elevated packages by citing the substantial value and leadership a CEO is expected to provide. Consider Jane Doe, who serves as the CEO of Tech Innovations Inc., a leading technology firm. Jane’s day-to-day responsibilities include setting the company’s strategic direction, making major corporate decisions, and being the public face of the company. She reports directly to the board of directors and ensures that the company meets its financial and non-financial goals.

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• Exact business manager growth figures are largely dependent on the success of the respective industries hiring business managers.
• Beyond profit, they balance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives while ensuring global competitiveness.
• This includes setting long-term goals, identifying new market opportunities, and ensuring that the company remains competitive over time.
• Still, the need for business managers to tie financial goals, employee management, and corporate best practices together is only expected to increase in years to come.
• Underneath that there may be an Executive Vice President (U.S.) or executive director (UK).

Jane also plays a crucial role in cultivating the company’s culture and values, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and aligned with the company’s objectives. Beyond profit, they balance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives while ensuring global competitiveness. Data analytics and AI increasingly guide decisions, demanding tech-savvy leadership. Remote work has broadened their oversight, requiring new communication methods and an inclusive culture.

Below is an in-depth look at the CEO chief executive meaning meaning in business, followed by key duties, desired skills, and examples of some of today’s most successful CEOs. A Chief Executive Officer serves as the strategic lynchpin of an organization, merging big-picture vision with operational nuance. They set direction, manage resources, and cultivate an environment that fosters growth and innovation.

“C-Level” refers to executive positions starting with “Chief,” indicating they are part of a company’s top leadership. EU’s MBA in Digital Business prepares you to lead IT strategy and manage technology integration in global organizations. The CEO must ensure that the company meets its profit goals, monitor the budget, and make strategic financial decisions to maintain financial stability. While many activities are delegated to managers, the CEO maintains overall control to ensure that operations align with strategic goals. The CEO holds the highest executive position within a company, with responsibilities ranging from defining the company’s strategy to overseeing daily operations. ‍Beyond skill sets, forging relationships with seasoned professionals can significantly expand one’s reach.

Which C-Level role suits me best?

Quickonomics provides free access to education on economic topics to everyone around the world. Our mission is to empower people to make better decisions for their personal success and the benefit of society. Matthew Phillip, chief executive of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said organisers would keep people safe. Graham Footer, chief executive of Disabled Motoring UK, said some airports have « allowed greed to cloud their judgement », and argues people with disabilities should not have to pay the charge at all. Heather Weir, chief executive of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said there were a number of reasons why dog attack prosecutions were not successful.

• Criteria for selection often include experience, leadership skills, vision for the company’s future, and the ability to drive financial success.
• Management jobs are expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, a rate faster than the average expected expansion across all occupations.
• It depends on the company’s size, stage, and leadership structure — but there are consistent patterns among top-performing COOs.
• This individual holds ultimate authority over the company’s operations, strategy, and overall direction.
• ‍From unforeseen crises to routine operational hiccups, daily life as a CEO demands resilience.
• Their role is multifaceted, requiring strategic vision, leadership, and a deep understanding of business dynamics.

Programs

The role of CEO means working in a high-stakes and high-pressure environment. From navigating partnerships and communicating with stakeholders to overseeing all components of a business, CEOs carry a heavy burden. In the United Kingdom many Charities and Government Agencies are headed by a Chief Executive who is answerable to a Board of Trustees or Board of Directors. In the UK, the Chairman (of the Board) in public companies is more senior than the Chief Executive. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen. Join the COO Alliance, the only private community for second-in-command executives.

However, it requires clear communication and division of responsibilities to prevent conflicts. In some cases, the CEO may also be the founder of the company, especially in startups or family-run businesses. In other contexts, an external manager may be chosen to bring a fresh perspective and lead the company toward sustainable growth. Becoming a CEO requires solid academic training, completing strategic professional steps, and significant practical experience.

They don’t compete for control — they complement each other, forming a leadership partnership that balances strategic foresight with operational discipline. It depends on the company’s size, stage, and leadership structure — but there are consistent patterns among top-performing COOs. ‍While many CEOs hold MBAs or specialized graduate degrees, formal education is not an absolute requirement. However, a strong grounding in management, finance, or engineering can prove advantageous. Some leaders rose through nontraditional routes—like coding, sales, or entrepreneurship—demonstrating that passion and track record can supplant formal credentials.

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In publicly held corporations, the CEO and chairman positions can be separated but there are implications in corporate governance by doing so. Staying profitable, keeping an edge above the competition, and preparing for the future are three major components of being a CEO. As a CEO, you’ll lead the vision and strategy for the entire business, leaning on your team of executive leaders to lead and drive company initiatives. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for leading an entire organization or company.

Studying prominent leaders—like Tim Cook, Mary Barra, or Sundar Pichai—reveals how effective CEOs marry deep strategic thinking with people-focused leadership. They continuously refine their approach to keep their companies competitive, relevant, and ethically grounded. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur building a startup or an experienced executive seeking fresh insights, the CEO’s role remains central to shaping a company’s destiny. Their decisions not only affect the company’s strategy and financial health but also have a profound impact on its employees, customers, and stakeholders. A competent CEO can inspire and lead the company to new heights by navigating the business through competitive markets, adapting to technological changes, and making insightful decisions.

Tim Cook took the reins from Steve Jobs in 2011, guiding Apple through expansions into wearables (Apple Watch), services (Apple Music, Apple TV+), and custom silicon (M-series chips). Under his leadership, Apple cemented its position as one of the world’s most valuable companies, balancing hardware innovation with subscription-based revenues. Cook’s emphasis on privacy and sustainability also resonates with modern consumer values. In some cases, companies may opt for a co-CEO structure, where two individuals share the CEO responsibilities. This arrangement can be beneficial for balancing the workload, bringing diverse perspectives to the leadership, or managing different geographical locations.