Chairman of the Board or Chairman of the Supervisory Board
He chairs the board of directors who represent the shareholders. He has no operational role but usually names the Chief Executive Officer.
He is the Boss. He has the full authority of the company operations and strategy. Sometimes he combines his role with the role of Chairman of the Board (or Chairman of the Supervisory Board). This role is also often called President.
Chief Financial Officer or CFO
He is in charge of all the financial matters of the company. He reports to the Chief Executive Officer and frequently a member of the Board of Directors. The controller and the Treasurer report to him or her.
This decision-maker is in charge of the daily operations of the company and reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
Chief Technology Officer or CTO
Senior Manager responsible for the company's technology strategy. Often reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
This job includes the financial control, the financial forecast and often the business planning. Often reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
Counsel or General Counsel
The Legal manager of the company who advises the Chief Executive Officer.
Deputy General Manager or Assistant General Manager
Assistant General Manager (may be more than one.)
Director
1 - Member of the Board of Directors. Example : Director, Employee representative.
2 - Key Manager of the company. Usually reports to a Vice President. Example : Financial Director
Executive Vice President
The prefix - Executive - means that this Vice President is very autonomous in his decisions and his operational management. Example : Executive Vice President, International
Investor Relations
The company's liaison to the stockholders and major investors. He often reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
General Manager or Managing Director
He is the senior operational Manager in this company. He is usually appointed by the Chairman of the Board. Could also be a decision-maker who supervises the company, a division of the company or one of its activities.
Partner
One of the key principals of the company; has a key partnership stake with the owners of the company.
The voice of the company to the outside world.
Whether he is Company Secretary or Secretary of the Board, his role is to assist the President in specific areas.
Senior Vice President
This title is often used for the managers reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. He usually enjoys significant autonomy. Example : Senior Vice President, Marketing.
Treasurer
This role encompasses cash management, investor relations and the relations with the banks. He often reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
Trustee
Director or Member of the Board.
Vice President
This title is often used for the experienced managers reporting to the Chief Executive Officer or to one of its direct reports. Example : Vice President, Europe.
