chief executive

American  

[cheef ig-zek-yuh-tiv] / ˈtʃif ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv /

noun

1. the president of the United States.

   the powers of the chief executive, as granted by the Constitution.

2. the governor of a U.S. state.

   the newly elected chief executive of Rhode Island.

3. the head of a government.

   a conference attended by all the European chief executives.

4. Also called chief executive officer.  the head of an organization, company, etc..

   the chief executive of a media corporation.

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chief executive British  

noun

1. the person with overall responsibility for the efficient running of a company, organization, etc

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Etymology

Origin of chief executive

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Chief executive Pedro Heilbron said during a signing ceremony in Panama City that the acquisitions will allow the airline to grow its fleet to 200 planes by 2034.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Chief executive of the association for British travel agents Mark Tanzer said travellers should feel assured there are strong protections in place for them.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Chief executive Richard Gould also backed McCullum and Key this week despite a series of recent England players criticising the regime.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Chief executive Susan Hopkins previously said it looked as though there had been a super spreader event, with the outbreak ongoing within university halls of residences, where there would have been parties and social mixing.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

"I think I understand," said the Chief executive.

From The Enchanted Canyon by Morrow, Honoré