The position of CEO oversees the strategic vision and long-term plans of the company. They deal with high-level strategic decisions and manage the company’s growth. They're responsible for the following:
- Keeping the company profitable
- Managing the company’s structure
- Creating and enacting long-term strategies; and
- Working with the board of directors.
The CEO is the chief representative of the company to report to its board of directors. The CEO’s role is to report to the board about the performance of the company. They deliver updates about long-term plans.
The CEO is the public face of the company. They will speak at conferences and give media statements about the performance of the company. They may also take part in community events related to the company’s cause.
They work with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to outline the culture of the company. The CEO delegates tasks including day-to-day operations such as payroll, recruitment and legal and administrative duties to the COO to carry out.
The CEO helps to deliver returns to shareholders by driving revenue growth. They work with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the company’s financial planning.
CEOs may work in both the public and private sector. Businesses, education providers, charities and governments have CEO positions. Founders of startups incorporated as companies can also be appointed as CEOs.