Chief Executive Officer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Chief Executive Officer?
- How to become a Chief Executive Officer
- Top skills and experience for Chief Executive Officers
What's it like to be a Chief Executive Officer?
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in an organization. As leaders, CEOs are in charge of overseeing operations, making major decisions and formulating long-term goals for a company’s growth and financial health. A CEO collaborates with top management to develop strategies and reports to the Board of Directors. Depending on the size and scope of the organization, a CEO may mostly be involved in only high-level decisions or work closely with the company’s different departments on a daily basis. Often, CEOs also act as a company’s spokesperson or public face.
Tasks and duties
- Developing high-level strategies.
- Overseeing day-to-day operations.
- Making critical business decisions.
- Reviewing financial reports.
- Building relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
- Acting as spokesperson of the company in media and other public events.
How to become a Chief Executive Officer
Since Chief Executive Officer is a critical position in a company, you need a combination of relevant qualifications and extensive experience. CEOs are often recruited externally, though high-ranking executives like Chief Operating Officer can be promoted internally to the role.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in business, business administration, commerce, management, or a related course.
Pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Seek several years of experience in your chosen field.
Consider getting certified in project management methodologies and frameworks such as Agile, Kanban, Lean, PMP, or Scrum.
Gain substantial experience as a top executive in a finance or operations role (ex: Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer).
