A chief executive, commonly known as a chief executive officer (CEO), is the highest-ranking executive in an organization, responsible for the overall management and success of the company or entity. The CEO typically reports to the board of directors and is charged with implementing the organization's strategic goals and policies, overseeing day-to-day operations, and making major corporate decisions. They act as the main point of communication between the board and the company's management and often serve as the public face of the organization. Key responsibilities of a chief executive include:

• Leading the development and execution of long-term and short-term strategies.
• Managing various departments such as finance, marketing, sales, human resources, legal, and operations.
• Motivating employees and driving organizational change.
• Representing the company to shareholders, media, government, and other stakeholders.
• Assessing risks and opportunities to maximize the organization's value, whether measured by profitability, market share, or mission outcomes in nonprofits.
• Overseeing the performance of other executives and ensuring alignment with company goals.

The role and scope of a CEO can vary depending on the size, structure, and nature of the organization, with smaller companies often seeing CEOs more involved in day-to-day tasks, while larger companies have CEOs focusing more on high-level strategy and leadership

. In summary, the chief executive is the top leader responsible for guiding an organization towards success through strategic decision-making, operational oversight, and effective leadership.