
The executive board is a subset of the board of directors, responsible for overseeing the organisation's strategic planning and decision-making activities. The executive committee is composed of senior-level executives such as the CEO, CFO, COO, and other C-level officers. The executive board guides the organisation's strategic direction, operations, and overall performance, and acts as the decision-making body for prompt actions. The board of directors appoints the chief executive officer of the corporation and sets out the overall strategic direction. The executive board serves as a vital link in the leadership structure, acting as the decision-making body and providing updates to the board of directors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Board composition | Composed of senior-level executives appointed to serve on behalf of the board of directors |
| Board structure | May be referred to as the executive committee, operating committee, or executive council |
| Board size | Small number of people selected for their leadership and management skills |
| Board authority | Holds significant power and responsibility in shaping the direction and operations of the organization |
| Board decision-making | Acts as a steering committee and makes decisions on behalf of the full board when urgent situations arise |
| Board direction | Guides the organization's strategic direction, operations, and overall performance |
| Board fiduciary duty | Manages the risks and opportunities associated with the various business entities in the company |
| Board planning | Involved in strategic planning and ensures the implementation of strategic plans |
| Board communication | Effective communication protocols are essential for smooth operations and the accomplishment of organizational goals |
| Board challenges | Unclear communication, diverging priorities, and an unclear long-term vision can hinder productivity |
| Board chairperson | Guides the board's direction, leads meetings, sets agendas, and acts as the external representative |
| Board vice chairperson | Second-in-command, supporting the chairperson and assuming their responsibilities when needed |
| Board chief executive officer (CEO) | Organization's leader responsible for overall strategy, operations, and performance |
| Board chief financial officer (CFO) | Oversees financial health, accurate financial reporting, and compliance |
| Board chief operating officer (COO) | Manages day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning across departments |
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What You'll Learn

Chairperson
The chairperson, also referred to as the chair, chairman, chairwoman, or presiding officer, is an essential position within a board. The role of the chairperson is to lead and guide the board, ensuring its smooth running and effectiveness. The chairperson is responsible for setting the board's agenda, facilitating meetings, and acting as the board's external representative. They are also accountable for evaluating the performance of the board and its members.
The chairperson is typically elected or appointed by the members of the board or organisation and presides over meetings, ensuring they are well-ordered and productive. They are responsible for engaging individual board members to work collaboratively and providing strong leadership. The chairperson also has a supervisory role over the chief executive, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.
One of the key responsibilities of the chairperson is to ensure effective communication within the board and with external stakeholders, such as shareholders. They are responsible for ensuring that the views of shareholders are communicated to the board and that the board's decisions are accurately represented outside the boardroom. The chairperson also plays a crucial role in fostering the effectiveness of individual directors, both inside and outside the boardroom.
In some organisations, the chairperson may also represent the company in meetings with government figures or hold equivalent duties to a chief executive in other institutions. The role of the chairperson can vary depending on the organisation's structure and jurisdiction, with some companies separating the roles of chairperson and CEO to improve corporate governance.
Overall, the chairperson plays a pivotal role in leading the board, setting its direction, and ensuring its smooth functioning. They are responsible for guiding the board towards achieving the organisation's strategic goals and objectives.
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Vice chairperson
The vice chairperson, or vice-chair, is second-in-command to the chairperson (or chair or chairman) of the board of directors. They are responsible for supporting the chairperson and assuming their responsibilities when the chair is absent. The vice-chair also provides additional board leadership and helps to make the role of chairperson more manageable. They may be groomed to take on the role of chairperson in the future.
The vice-chair may also be referred to as the lead independent director, a position that is separate from the chairperson and CEO. The lead independent director acts as the preferred contact for other independent directors and organises meetings for them to discuss issues outside of full board meetings. They can also meet with the chairperson and CEO to inform them of the comments and preferences of independent directors.
The vice-chair also has a role in supervising formal assessments of the board's operations and work, and they can help to establish the agenda for board meetings. They may also attend regular meetings with the chairperson and chief executive in preparation for their future role as chairperson.
The role of the vice-chair can vary between organisations, but it is an important position that supports the chairperson and can provide a smooth transition when the chairperson's term is up.
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Chief executive officer
The chief executive officer (CEO) is the leader of an organisation and is responsible for its overall strategy, operations, and performance. The CEO is a senior-level executive and is usually a member of the board of directors, which is responsible for overseeing the organisation, making important decisions, and creating policies.
The board of directors is composed of members who are elected by the shareholders or, in the case of organisations with voting members, by the organisation's full membership. The board of directors has the power to appoint the CEO and set the overall strategic direction of the organisation. In some cases, the CEO may also serve as a member of the board, although this is not always considered a good practice due to potential conflicts of interest.
The executive board, of which the CEO is a part, is a subcommittee within the board of directors that is responsible for overseeing the organisation's strategic planning and decision-making activities. It acts as a steering committee when decisions need to be made quickly but remains accountable to and provides updates to the full board of directors. The executive board is composed of senior-level executives who are appointed to serve on behalf of the board of directors and have significant decision-making authority and fiduciary responsibility.
The CEO, as a member of the executive board, plays a crucial role in shaping the organisation's vision, managing risk assessment, and driving board effectiveness. Their decisions can impact various aspects of the organisation, from product development to employee well-being. Additionally, the CEO works closely with other executives, such as the chief financial officer (CFO) and chief operating officer (COO), to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the organisation.
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Chief financial officer
An executive officer is a member of a company's board of directors, which is a group of leaders who steer the company and make decisions that significantly impact its success. The board of directors is elected by the shareholders and appoints the chief executive officer (CEO). The board of directors is sometimes equivalent to the supervisory board, while the executive board may be referred to as the executive committee.
Now, a chief financial officer (CFO) is a top-level executive and a member of the C-suite, which includes the chief executive officer (CEO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief information officer (CIO). The CFO is responsible for a company's financial operations and activities, including financial planning, financial reporting, compliance, and quality control. They also play a vital role in company strategy and have significant input in the company's investments and capital structure.
The role of the CFO has evolved and expanded over time. Today, CFOs are expected to take on diverse roles and responsibilities, including preserving the assets of the organization, running an efficient finance operation, helping to shape overall strategy, and driving a financial approach throughout the organization. They are also responsible for building credibility for the strategic direction of the company and communicating with investors and boards.
CFOs work closely with their C-suite peers, particularly the CEO, to direct capital toward attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees. They are also involved in undertaking major investment and financing decisions and communicating with key stakeholders. CFOs are in a unique position to mobilize new projects and drive change due to their focus on efficiency and productivity.
In summary, the CFO is a vital member of the executive team, responsible for the financial health and strategic direction of the organization, and they work collaboratively with other executives and stakeholders to drive the success of the business.
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Chief operating officer
A chief operating officer (COO) is a senior-level executive who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. The COO ensures that the business runs smoothly and efficiently and that the company's operations align with its strategic goals.
The role of a COO is crucial in ensuring that the organisation's long-term goals are reflected in the smooth functioning of its business operations. They oversee all aspects of the company's daily operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and customer service. COOs work closely with other executives to develop and implement strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
A COO's responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing all operational departments
- Providing guidance and support to employees to ensure company goals are met
- Playing an active part in strategic planning and day-to-day operations
- Developing and implementing operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability
- Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and driving continuous improvement
- Collaborating with other executives to align operational goals with overall business strategy
- Managing and optimising company resources, including human capital and technology
The executive board of a company is a group of senior-level executives who steer the company and make decisions that have a major impact on its success. The board is typically composed of the CEO, CFO, and COO, and other C-level officers. The board shapes the organisation's vision, manages risk assessment, and drives board effectiveness.
The board of directors appoints the chief executive officer and sets out the overall strategic direction. The legal responsibilities of boards and board members vary depending on the nature of the organisation and the jurisdiction.
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Frequently asked questions
An executive board, often referred to as an executive committee, is a governing body that guides the organisation's strategic direction, operations, and overall performance.
An executive board is composed of senior-level executives such as the CEO, CFO, COO, chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other C-level officers.
A board of directors is responsible for overseeing the organisation, making important decisions, and creating policies. An executive board is a subcommittee of the board of directors, tasked with overseeing the organisation's strategic planning and decision-making activities.
Yes and no. While it is legal in most states for executive directors to serve on their organisations' governing boards, it is not considered a good practice due to conflicts of interest. However, executive directors should attend board meetings as non-voting members to provide essential expertise.
An executive board shapes the organisation's vision, manages risk assessment, and drives board effectiveness. They are responsible for the financial health of the organisation and ensure compliance with regulations and policies.

























