Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The highest-ranking executive responsible for running a company.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the most senior executive in a company, responsible for overall strategy, operations, and performance. The CEO reports to the board of directors and is accountable to shareholders. Many of the world's billionaires are current or former CEOs who retain large equity stakes in the companies they lead or founded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical Fortune 500 CEO earn?

CEO compensation at large US companies averages $15–25 million per year in total compensation (salary, bonus, and stock awards). However, most of a CEO's wealth comes from equity appreciation, not cash salary.

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Related Terms

Board of Directors

A group elected by shareholders to oversee a company's management.

Equity

Ownership interest in a company, represented by shares.

Net Worth

Total assets minus total liabilities of an individual.

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