By Indeed Editorial Team Show Updated November 8, 2021 | Published March 12, 2020 Updated November 8, 2021 Published March 12, 2020 Knowing how corporations are organized can help you understand how decisions are made and implemented, navigate chains of command and design a career development plan. Two of the highest positions in a business structure are the CEO and the president. While they may have overlapping duties, they are different roles. In this article, we define what a CEO is, what a president is and what the differences are between them. Related: A Guide To Executive Business Titles What is a CEO?Chief executive officers, or CEOs, hold the highest position in their company. Sometimes, the chairman of the board of directors acts as the CEO if they are particularly involved in the business. Nonprofit organizations often use the title executive director for this position. CEOs are hired by the board of directors, who are elected by shareholders, and usually have a permanent seat on the board to report business strategies and the corporation's vision. Here are some of a CEO's main duties and responsibilities:
Read more: What Is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO)? Definition and Role What is a president?The president is the second-in-command of a company, directly underneath the CEO. If a company does not have a CEO, the president holds the highest position in the organization. If the CEO is the head salesperson, the president is the head manager. A company president oversees the people in the company and implements the business strategies that are set by the CEO. The main responsibilities and duties of the president of a company include:
Related: Differences Between a President and a COO CEO vs. presidentHere are the key differences between CEOs and presidents:
FAQs about presidents and CEOsHere are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the difference between CEOs and presidents: Is the owner of a business a CEO or president?A business owner can be in either role, depending on what focus they prefer to take in running the business. Owners should carefully consider if they want to establish a board of directors, what relationship they want to have with them and what role they believe they are best suited to fill. What other titles have a similar role to the president?Sometimes, the role of the president is held by the chief operating officer (COO). Both positions focus on how the company functions daily to achieve the goals and vision of the CEO. How do I become a CEO or president?There are a few ways to become a CEO or president. Many CEOs and presidents started their own businesses and chose the title that best suits their role in running their company. Here are the steps to earning a top role in an existing company:
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