Learn in the textbookExecutives and Their Roles
DefinitionThe CEO (Chief Executive Officer, 最高経営責任者) is the executive who bears final responsibility for running the company as a whole.
ExplanationThe CEO makes the final call on the direction of the whole company, such as its management policy and business strategy, and answers for the results. Among the CxO titles, it is the one that looks at the entire company instead of a single area. In Japanese companies, the president or the representative director sometimes also serves as CEO.
AnalogyThink of the leader of a climbing team. The leader makes the last call on the route and on whether to turn back, while the members in charge of food and gear each look after their own part.
Memory hookIn English, a company's senior managers are called executives. Their Chief is the CEO.