Contents:
- Common C-level executive job titles
- What are some essential skills for C-suite executives?
- What other employee levels exist?
Common C-level executive job titles
While each company might have a unique grade system and job classification, certain job titles are used universally. Here’s a list of corporate titles you’ll likely find in a company along with a brief description of those C-suite roles and responsibilities:
This is the highest-ranking role in a company. CEOs oversee all business operations and decisions and are responsible for the success of the organization. All other C-suite executives report to the CEO. In some cases, the founder or co-founder of the company serves as the CEO.
COOs are responsible for the proper execution of all business plans and strategies. In other words, they ensure that the company runs like clockwork. The COO is usually the second-in-command to the CEO.
A CFO manages all financial aspects of the company. They’re responsible for long-term budgeting and risk analyses, but also oversee the company’s financial reporting and overall financial status.
See CEO vs. CFO
CTOs are in charge of the tech stack that helps a company grow: they research and implement new systems, oversee security and set up infrastructure. Often, the term Chief Information Officer (CIO) is used for the same role. When a company has both job titles, the CTO is responsible for building new products and features while the CIO’s focus is internal, ensuring that IT systems operate effectively.
This is the person who’s responsible for building and implementing marketing strategies. Depending on the company’s industry and goals, those strategies could be around digital marketing, advertising, product positioning, events and email campaigns.
CHROs oversee anything that has to do with the people of an organization. They establish how the company hires, promotes, trains and evaluates employees. They also manage long-term HR strategies, such as succession planning and talent acquisition.
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What are some essential skills for C-suite executives?
Each executive-level employee should be an expert in their own field. For example, a CMO needs to have extensive experience in marketing, while a CFO needs in-depth knowledge of financial and accounting matters.
However, from the C-level executive definition we gave above, it’s clear that all employees who hold these roles have something in common: they all need to have a strategic mindset in order to drive business decisions. Here are some common skills employees should practice as they rise in senior positions:
What other employee levels exist?
In most companies, the board of directors and the founders are at the top of the corporate hierarchy followed by the C-level executives namely the CEO, COO, CFO, etc. But what’s below C-suite? That depends on each company’s organizational structure.
Usually Vice Presidents (VPs) and Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) report to C-level executives. For example, the VP of Product Marketing and the VP of Digital Marketing will report to the CMO. D-level executives are the ones who report to VPs. In this case, D stands for director, e.g. a Director of Engineering or a Director of Sales belong in this grade. Some companies also use the term “B-level executive” to describe mid-level managers.
Related resources:
FAQs
C-level executives are high-ranking individuals who excel in their respective areas within an organization. The “C” stands for chief, as C-level executives are the top level of management in their specific department. You can use the term C-suite when referring to a group of C-level executives in an organization.
What is C and V-level executives? ›
C-level management: At the top of the business hierarchy. V-level management: Vice Presidents (VPs) and Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) who report to C-level management. D-level management: Directors in various departments (e.g., Director of Sales) who report to V-level management.
What are B level executives? ›
A B-level manager is a mid-level manager in an organization who helps execute the policies and initiatives created by the organization's C-level executives. B-level managers are commonly in charge of facilitating any major changes in an organization and creating a productive work environment for employees.
What is D-level executive? ›
D-level executives are the ones who report to VPs. In this case, D stands for director, e.g. a Director of Engineering or a Director of Sales belong in this grade. Some companies also use the term “B-level executive” to describe mid-level managers. Related resources: Best job sites for executive-level candidates.
Is VP considered C-level? ›
Is the VP considered a C-level position? C-level positions are reserved for those with chief roles, such as chief operating officer. Vice presidents are known as V-level management, which are below C-level positions.
Is a VP considered an executive? ›
A VP is a high-level senior executive who oversees the day-to-day operations of a broad division and implements the company's vision, policies, and goals. If an organization only has one VP, this person oversees the entire organization's operations.
Is VP lower than C-suite? ›
VPs are typically one level below the C-Suite and play a crucial role in developing strategies and policies for their areas of responsibility, ensuring the alignment with the company's overall objectives. Vice Presidents report directly to C-Suite executives.
What is another word for C-level executives? ›
The names of these positions generally begin with the letter C for chief, including the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief information officer (CIO), among others. People in this suite are also referred to as c-level or c-level executives.
How are C-level executives hired? ›
Use multiple recruiting channels: Top C-level executives are often not actively looking for new opportunities. So, it's essential to use multiple recruiting channels, such as online job boards, professional networks, and industry events, to reach a broader pool of potential candidates.
What are the four 4 levels of management? ›
The four most common types of managers are top-level managers, middle managers, first-line managers, and team leaders. These roles vary not only in their day-to-day responsibilities, but also in their broader function in the organization and the types of employees they manage.
The lower level management consists of foremen, supervisors, section officers, superintendents, and other managers who have direct control over the operative employees of the organization.
Who are the C+ executives? ›
Common c-suite executives include chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief information officer (CIO). C-level members work together to ensure a company stays true to its established plans and policies.
Is Chief higher than VP? ›
In the specific example you gave, the “Chief xxx Officer” will usually rank higher, but it's not uncommon to see situations where the CEO is the President of the company, and the other CxO's have Vice-President or Executive Vice-President titles.
What rank is below COO? ›
In most cases, general managers are below COOs in a company's leadership hierarchy. Depending on the specific tasks and duties assigned to the general manager, they might report directly to the COO or to another intermediary leadership employee, like an operations manager .
Is General Manager a C-suite? ›
In the c-suite, the chief executive officer (CEO) is considered the GM overseeing the entire company. At the departmental level, the GM might oversee a specific process in a company or be in charge of a particular unit or segment. The GM sits just below the CEO in the executive suite in terms of rank.
Why is it called C-level executive? ›
What Is a C-Level Executive? The “C” stands for chief, meaning that C-suite executives are high-ranking authorities or officers within their area of expertise. Each C-suite executive will handle different aspects of the business, with some overlaps between the positions.
How many C-level executives are there? ›
The C-suite may include over 17 different executives. CEO, CTO, CIO, CFO, CMO, CPO, and COO are the most common roles. The responsibilities of C-level executives may vary and overlap: it all depends on the company's needs and priorities.
How do you become a C-level exec? ›
Want To Make It Into The C-Suite? Nine Steps To Take Now
- Network With Highly Connected Professionals. ...
- Build A Track Record Of Success. ...
- Develop Excellent Communication Skills. ...
- Stay Up To Date On Industry News. ...
- Take Leadership Development Training. ...
- Cultivate A Selfless, Fearless Mindset. ...
- Sharpen Your People Skills.
