Sometimes referred to as “Chief Executing Officer” to emphasize the role of implementing corporate strategy, this is the apex of executive management function.

There are also cases where the CEO is a member of the Board of Directors and in that capacity he/she doubles as an Executive Director on the Board. In this case, it is important to appreciate the reconciliation of the two roles as that of leading implementation of corporate strategy and that of being part of decision making at the level of governance oversight of the executive management function.

One of the expectations of corporate governance best practice is that of accountability and responsibility that the CEO has towards the Board of Directors. The officers who support the CEO (Chief Officers)are duty bound to provide professional input into the office of the CEO as one of the drivers of confidence and ownership the CEO will have as he/she engages the Board in that regard. A situation where the CEO is caught off guard or by utter surprise at something a Chief Officer is articulating before the Board, can be more than awkward. Alignment is most preferred.

To our champions of industry, the CEOs, a cordial welcome to my house of thoughts!