To succeed in the business world—especially in international contexts—it is essential to understand specific technical vocabulary in English. In this article, we explore the meaning of two of the most common executive titles in English: CEO and Chairman. These terms are often confused, yet they represent very different roles within a company.
In this article, we explain the difference between a CEO and a Chairman, their responsibilities, and why it is important to understand these terms if you work—or aspire to work—in an English-speaking corporate environment.
What does CEO Mean?
CEO es la sigla de Chief Executive Officer, often translated as director ejecutivo or director general. The CEO is the person with the highest authority in the day-to-day management of the company.
Main Responsibilities of a CEO:
- Execute the strategy approved by the board of directors
- Make key operational decisions
- Oversee senior executives from each department (finance, marketing, legal, etc.)
- Represent the company before investors, the media, and business partners
In many companies, the CEO is the public face of the business and plays a central role in its success—or failure.
What does Chairman mean?
Chairman es el head of the board of directors Today, more inclusive terms such as Chairperson or Chair are increasingly used for gender inclusion. The Chairman’s role focuses on oversight and leadership of the board.
Main Responsibilities of the Chairman:
- Lead board meetings
- Evaluate the performance of the CEO and the executive team
- Represent shareholders’ interests
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards
In short, the Chairman focuses on strategy and oversight, not on day-to-day operations.
Key Differences Between a CEO and a Chairman
| Aspect | CEO | Chairman |
| Role | Executive | Strategic oversight |
| Reports to | The board of directors | Shareholders |
| Responsible for | Daily management of the company | Leadership of the board |
| Participates of | Operational decisions | Governance decisions |
| May be the same person | In some cases, yes | In others, roles are separated |
Real-World Corporate Structure Example
In many large corporations—such as Apple, Microsoft, or HSBC—the Chairman and the CEO are different individuals in order to ensure independence between management and oversight. However, in family-owned businesses or startups, it is common for one person to hold both positions.
Por qué es importante conocer esta diferencia
If you work with international companies or are studying Business English, understanding this distinction is key to:
- Communicating accurately in meetings and emails
- Understanding corporate hierarchies and structures
- Translating or drafting documents precisely
- Preparing for interviews or recruitment processes abroad
If you want to improve your fluency in these contexts, you can also read our article: Todo lo que tenés que saber para dominar el inglés de negocios.
Conclusion
Conocer la diferencia entre CEO and Chairman es esencial para quienes trabajan en negocios internacionales. Ambos tienen roles fundamentales, pero con enfoques y responsabilidades distintas. Incorporar este tipo de vocabulario te ayudará a desenvolverte con más confianza en entornos corporativos en inglés.
Continuá explorando más vocabulario clave y estrategias para aplicar y aprender inglés de negocios en nuestro blog de inglés de negocios.
Cursos de inglés jurídico y de negocios
Si se te dificulta dominar los aspectos clave o te gustaría rendir el examen TOLES o BEC, nuestros cursos son una opción ideal.
