Definition of Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

officer who has ultimate management responsibility for an organization. The CEO reports directly to a board of directors, which is accountable to the company's owners. The CEO appoints other managers, including a president, to assist in carrying out the responsibilities of the organization. The CEO can also have the title CEO/President if the responsibilities of both positions are combined.

officer of a firm principally responsible for the activities of a company. CEO is usually an additional title held by the chairman of the board, the president, or another senior officer such as a vice chairman or an executive vice president.