director general

American  

noun

plural

directors general

1. the executive head of an organization or of a major subdivision, as a branch or agency, of government.

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director-general British  

noun

1. the head of a large organization such as the CBI or BBC

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Etymology

Origin of director general

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“Data and observations are essential to our efforts to confront climate change and air quality challenges, and these challenges don’t know borders,” said Florian Pappenberger, director general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

From Los Angeles Times

An internal BBC memo leaked in November criticised how the speech was edited, and led to the resignations of the corporation's director general, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness.

From BBC

The agency's director general of operations, Rob Jones, said Savas's supplies "were likely involved in numerous fatal events in the Channel".

From BBC

Recipients included the director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, and broadcaster Helen Mark.

From BBC

MI5's first female director general, Dame Stella headed the security service from 1992 until 1996, and was widely credited as being the model for Dame Judi Dench's M in the James Bond films.

From BBC