What CEO, CFO, COO and CMO stand for: C-level titles and responsibilities

CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer, the most senior executive in a company. The CEO sets the strategy, makes the main decisions and answers to the owners or the board of directors. The CFO (Chief Financial Officer) runs finance, the COO (Chief Operating Officer) is responsible for day-to-day operations, and the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) leads marketing. Together they are called the C-level, or C-suite: the company's top executives.

CEO, COO and CFO: who does what in a company

English C-level titles are the common language of international business, investors and the tech industry. That is why CEO, CFO, COO and CMO appear in job ads, on LinkedIn profiles and in everyday business email.

What a role covers depends on the company. In a 30-person startup, the CEO may run sales personally. In a group with several legal entities, each entity has its own director who reports to the group CEO. Below is the most common split of roles.

C-level abbreviations explained: table

Every C-level title starts with the word Chief, and the second part of the abbreviation names the area: finance, operations, technology, marketing. CCO, CDO and CSO each have several meanings, so you read them from context.

How C-level titles are recorded in the UK and Ukraine

UK employers have no statutory staffing table, and the job title in an employment contract is agreed between the parties. An occupation code is needed mainly for official forms, such as the certificate of sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa. These forms use the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) maintained by the Office for National Statistics.

UK company law regulates the board rather than job titles: a private company must have at least one director (Companies Act 2006, section 154). CEO is not a statutory title, so the same person is often both a company director and an employee.

In Ukraine, job titles in the staffing table must match the National Classifier of Occupations DK 003:2010. It has no CEO title, so the head of a company is recorded as “Director (head, other manager) of an enterprise” with code 1210.1. A CFO is recorded as “Financial director” (code 1231), and a commercial director or CMO uses code 1233.

CEO: who the chief executive officer is and what they do

The CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is the highest-ranking executive in a company and is responsible for the overall direction of the business. The CEO sits at the top of the corporate hierarchy and answers to the board of directors or the owners. Other C-level executives, including the CFO, COO and CMO, usually report to the CEO. In small companies and startups, the CEO is often also the founder (founder CEO).

The CEO makes strategic decisions, sets the company's course and represents it to investors, partners, the media and the public. Listed companies announce a change of CEO in advance because it affects the share price and partners' plans.

Day to day, the CEO connects every part of the business: finance, technology, sales and people management. The CEO does not run each department directly but has the final say on scaling, investment, organizational change and new product launches.

CEO skills and experience

• strategic thinking and decision-making under uncertainty;

• experience managing teams and large projects;

• deep understanding of the company's market;

• ability to anticipate trends and adapt to change;

• leadership and the ability to lead other executives.

COO: who the chief operating officer is

The COO (Chief Operating Officer) is responsible for the company's day-to-day operations. The COO puts the strategy set by the CEO or the board into practice and tracks its delivery.

The COO's duties include improving business processes, controlling costs, keeping projects on schedule and allocating resources. In practice the COO runs the company's daily work, which is why the role is often called the CEO's right hand.

In technology, manufacturing and service companies, the COO determines operational quality: whether teams deliver on time and whether customers get what was promised.

COO skills and experience

• experience managing operations and business processes;

• ability to lead teams and coordinate work across departments;

• analytical thinking;

• fast decision-making and problem-solving;

• organizational and communication skills.

CFO: who the chief financial officer is

The CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is responsible for the company's financial management, budgeting and control of all financial processes. The CFO reports directly to the CEO and takes an active part in running the business strategically.

The CFO works with accounting, financial control, the tax team and the rest of the leadership team.

The CFO's duties include managing the capital structure, financial reporting, cost control and analysis of financial metrics. The CFO also handles financial planning, prepares investment decisions, assesses risk and ensures compliance with financial regulations. Externally, the CFO works with investors, banks and auditors.

CFO skills and experience

• in-depth knowledge of finance, accounting and analysis;

• ability to forecast and manage risk;

• experience in budgeting and cost control;

• strategic and analytical thinking;

• financial reporting skills;

• understanding of financial institutions and investment instruments;

• leadership and teamwork.

CTO: who the chief technology officer is

The CTO (Chief Technology Officer) is responsible for the company's technology strategy and for introducing solutions that support business goals.

The CTO's remit covers product development, system architecture and leadership of technical teams. The CTO makes decisions on scaling infrastructure, cybersecurity and building the technical skills of the team.

The CTO usually reports to the CEO and works closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the technical teams.

CTO skills and experience

• deep understanding of information technology and software development;

• ability to connect business goals with technology solutions;

• experience building and managing engineering teams;

• knowledge of technology trends and their business use;

• strategic thinking.

CIO: chief information officer

The CIO (Chief Information Officer) is responsible for the company's entire IT infrastructure. The main task of the role is to make sure information systems reliably support internal business processes.

The CIO sets the company's IT strategy and works with the technology, security, operations and finance teams. The role most often reports to the CEO or the COO.

The CIO's area covers ERP systems, cybersecurity, data access and all the software and hardware employees use. The CIO is also responsible for integrating IT systems with each other.

CIO skills and experience

• broad knowledge of IT, cybersecurity and systems management;

• experience planning and implementing IT solutions;

• IT project and team management;

• ability to turn business needs into technology solutions;

• ability to keep business processes running with the help of technology.

CMO: who the chief marketing officer is

The CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is responsible for all of the company's marketing, brand awareness, customer acquisition and business growth through marketing strategy.

The CMO works on the employer brand, company visibility and sales support through campaigns and communication channels. The CMO reports to the CEO and works closely with sales, product and communications, as well as outside contractors and creative agencies.

CMO skills and experience

• knowledge of strategic and operational marketing;

• ability to analyze data and make decisions based on it;

• experience in brand development;

• creativity and customer focus;

• leadership and teamwork.

CRO: chief risk officer

The CRO (Chief Risk Officer) identifies, assesses and controls risks that could affect the company. The purpose of the role is to protect the business from financial losses, legal risk and reputational damage.

The CRO develops risk management policies, monitors regulatory compliance and prepares the company for crises. The CRO works with the legal, finance, operations and security teams so that the whole company takes one approach to risk.

CRO skills and experience

• ability to identify and assess risks;

• experience developing and implementing risk management policies;

• fast decision-making in a crisis;

• analytical thinking;

• knowledge of law, finance and crisis management;

• experience in audit, insurance or compliance.

CSO (Chief Sales Officer): head of sales

The Chief Sales Officer (CSO) is responsible for sales strategy and revenue growth. The CSO leads the sales teams, builds relationships with the largest customers and tracks the performance of commercial processes.

The role also covers market analysis, sales forecasting and coordination between sales, marketing and customer support. The CSO manages regional sales directors and reports directly to the CEO.

CSO skills and experience

• experience leading large sales teams;

• negotiation and communication skills;

• deep understanding of the market and customer needs;

• ability to build and implement sales strategies;

• results focus and the ability to motivate teams;

• experience scaling a business.

CCO (Chief Compliance Officer): head of compliance

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) makes sure the company complies with the law, industry standards and internal policies. The aim of the role is to prevent breaches and reduce legal and reputational risk.

The CCO's duties include developing and implementing compliance policies, running internal audits, training employees and working with regulators and external auditors. The role usually reports to the CEO or CFO and works closely with legal, HR and operations.

Compliance CCO skills and experience

• knowledge of legislation and industry standards;

• experience in compliance management and audits;

• ability to create internal policies and procedures;

• attention to detail, independence and accountability;

• ability to explain risks and requirements clearly to employees.

CCO (Chief Communications Officer): head of communications

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is responsible for the company's internal and external communications. The CCO builds a consistent brand image, manages relationships with the media and stakeholders, and leads crisis communications.

The CCO works with marketing, HR, the PR team and company leadership, and signs off all public statements.

The main duties are building the communications strategy, preparing media statements, managing corporate channels (website, social media, internal platforms) and keeping information policy transparent.

Communications CCO skills and experience

• ability to develop and execute communications strategies;

• experience with the media and crisis management;

• written and verbal communication skills;

• ability to build relationships with different stakeholder groups;

• understanding of how communications shape company culture and reputation.

CCO (Chief Commercial Officer): commercial director

The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) is responsible for the company's commercial development and every area that drives revenue. The CCO oversees sales, marketing and product development from the point of view of business goals.

The CCO shapes the go-to-market strategy, analyzes business opportunities, manages relationships with major customers and partners, and is accountable for the company's financial results. The role works closely with the CEO, CSO, CMO and product teams.

Commercial director skills and experience

• experience in sales, marketing and business development;

• ability to build a go-to-market strategy and scale operations;

• market and competitor analysis;

• negotiation skills and results focus;

• experience managing teams and projects.

CDO (Chief Digital Officer): head of digital transformation

The Chief Digital Officer (CDO) is responsible for the company's digital transformation. The CDO introduces technology that automates processes, improves customer experience and helps the business grow online.

The CDO plans and coordinates digitalization: digital tools, automation, e-commerce development and integration of digital channels. The role works with IT, marketing, sales and operations.

Digital CDO skills and experience

• broad understanding of digital technologies and their uses;

• experience managing digital transformation projects;

• ability to connect technology with business needs;

• understanding of user experience (UX);

• strategic and leadership skills.

CDO (Chief Data Officer): head of data

The Chief Data Officer (CDO) is responsible for the company's data strategy. The role covers data management, analytics, data integration and turning information into practical business decisions.

The CDO oversees data security and storage, regulatory compliance and the development of a data-driven decision culture. The role works with IT, finance, marketing and operations.

Data CDO skills and experience

• experience in data analytics, BI and data management;

• knowledge of data tools and architecture;

• ability to turn data into business recommendations;

• knowledge of information security and data regulations (for example, UK GDPR);

• cross-functional work with business units.

CSO (Chief Strategy Officer): head of strategy

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is responsible for developing and executing the company's long-term strategy. The CSO looks for new growth opportunities, analyzes market trends and shapes the company's strategic vision.

The CSO also assesses whether current business practices support long-term growth and competitiveness.

The CSO works with the CEO, CFO and business development team so that strategy, the financial plan and operations stay consistent.

Strategy CSO skills and experience

• analytical thinking and strategic planning;

• experience with growth projects and organizational change;

• knowledge of business analysis and strategic management methods;

• ability to work across functions and explain strategy to the team;

• risk assessment and data-driven decisions.

CSO (Chief Security Officer): head of security

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for protecting the company's physical and digital assets. The CSO develops the cybersecurity and security risk management strategy.

As a member of the leadership team, the CSO works regularly with other C-level executives so that security policies match the organization's business goals.

The CSO manages information security policies, protection of physical assets, access control and incident response. The role works with IT, legal, compliance and operations and usually reports to the CEO or CIO.

Security CSO skills and experience

• knowledge of cybersecurity, data protection and physical security;

• experience in risk management and incident response;

• ability to create security policies and procedures;

• ability to work under pressure and decide quickly;

• knowledge of legal and industry security requirements.

CBDO: chief business development officer

The Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) is a C-suite executive responsible for new customers, partnerships and market opportunities. The goal of the role is to grow the company through new markets and new revenue streams.

The CBDO analyzes the market, builds partnerships, develops new sales channels and supports the company's strategic initiatives. The role works closely with the CEO, CSO, marketing and product teams.

CBDO skills and experience

• ability to develop and execute business development strategies;

• experience building partnerships and negotiating;

• deep understanding of business development, strategic investments and partnerships;

• knowledge of the market and industry trends;

• ability to spot opportunities and turn them into business results;

• communication skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

CHRO: who the chief human resources officer is

The CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is the HR director responsible for the company's HR strategy. The role focuses on employee development, talent acquisition, employee engagement, rewards and company culture.

The CHRO aligns HR initiatives with business strategy and owns the performance management system, leadership development programs, succession planning and diversity and inclusion programs.

The CHRO also builds a culture of continuous learning so employees can grow professionally with the company.

The CHRO reports to the CEO and works with other C-level executives to reach the organization's strategic goals.

CHRO skills and experience

• knowledge of HR, employment law and change management;

• experience developing teams and building company culture;

• experience with people-first strategies and culture transformation;

• communication and coaching skills;

• ability to put HR strategy into practice;

• ability to connect HR processes with business goals.

Why is the CHRO role harder and more important today than before? Josh Bersin, an HR industry analyst and talent management expert, explains it in a podcast. We also cite his research in Diversity in the workplace: 5 strategies to transform your company's culture.

Leadership roles outside the C-level

Business Unit Manager

A Business Unit Manager is responsible for the management and results of one part of the business: a product line, a customer segment or a region. The role is not always C-level, but within the unit it carries responsibility similar to a senior executive.

The Business Unit Manager oversees financial planning, local business strategy, team management and operational delivery. The role links daily operations with corporate strategy and works with senior leadership and department heads.

Business Unit Manager skills and experience

• business acumen and financial decision-making;

• leadership and people management experience;

• results focus and adaptability;

• market analysis and growth planning;

• coordination of internal processes and teamwork.

Key Account Manager

A Key Account Manager is responsible for relationships with the company's largest and most strategic customers. The role is not part of the C-suite, but revenue from the biggest contracts depends on it.

The Key Account Manager prepares tailored solutions, negotiates contracts and supports the customer throughout the relationship. The role works with sales, marketing and operations.

Key Account Manager skills and experience

• communication skills and stakeholder experience;

• deep knowledge of the company's products and industry trends;

• experience in negotiation, contract management and customer success;

• customer focus and fast response;

• work with cross-functional teams.

Customer Service Manager

A Customer Service Manager leads the team responsible for service quality at every stage of customer contact. The role maintains service standards, manages customer requests and improves customer experience processes.

The Customer Service Manager works with the COO, logistics and IT so that support closes requests on time.

Customer Service Manager skills and experience

• leadership and the ability to motivate a team;

• empathy, active listening and problem-solving experience;

• experience with CRM systems and service protocols;

• organizational and analytical skills;

• team management and conflict resolution;

• coordination with other business functions.

Regional Sales Manager

A Regional Sales Manager is responsible for meeting the company's sales targets in a region. The role leads a team of sales representatives, monitors their work and grows local sales in line with the global strategy.

The Regional Sales Manager analyzes the market, tracks competitor activity, launches local sales initiatives and reports results to head office. The role is accountable for team development, sales motivation and regional performance, and usually reports to a Sales Director or Regional Director.

Regional Sales Manager skills and experience

• experience in B2B or B2C sales and regional management;

• understanding of the local market, its conditions and opportunities;

• ability to set, track and exceed sales targets;

• coaching and team development skills;

• work with marketing, logistics and finance teams;

• ability to turn business strategy into concrete regional actions.

Managing Director

A Managing Director is responsible for the whole company or a large business unit. In regional structures and subsidiaries, the role is close to that of a CEO. In the UK, managing director is also a common title for the head of a private company.

The Managing Director oversees business administration, strategy execution and the alignment of financial results with long-term goals. The role often represents the company externally and is accountable for both operational and financial results. It reports to the board of directors or the owner.

Managing Director skills and experience

• experience in business strategy and leadership;

• decision-making and organizational control;

• a proven ability to manage large teams and deliver results;

• understanding of corporate hierarchy and management principles;

• strategic vision and the ability to anticipate market change.

Head of IT

A Head of IT leads the organization's IT function and technology infrastructure. The role is not always part of the C-suite, but the stable daily operation of internal systems depends on it.

The Head of IT manages network systems, is responsible for data security, coordinates outside vendors and maintains digital tools for internal teams. The role usually reports to the Chief Information Officer or directly to the board.

Head of IT skills and experience

• deep knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure;

• project management and team leadership;

• strategic thinking and the ability to connect technology with business goals;

• diagnosing and solving technical problems;

• communication with business and technical stakeholders.

Why do companies use abbreviations and English job titles?

International companies standardize on English C-level titles for several reasons:

• A modern, professional image. English titles are often part of the brand and signal a global organization.

• Consistent international communication. CEO or CFO are recognized worldwide, so partners, investors and teams in other countries can easily tell who is responsible for what.

• Preparation for international expansion. Standard titles make it easier to enter new markets and adapt the structure to them.

• International recruiting. Standard titles make job ads more visible and easier for candidates abroad to recognize.

• A unified organizational structure. The same titles in every office help employees move between teams and understand reporting lines faster.

• Alignment with global reporting. In international companies, a job title often corresponds to a specific level of responsibility and reporting structure.

• Integration with HR systems. Many HRM platforms and analytics tools work in English, so standard titles simplify setup, data analysis and HR process automation.

• Language gaps. Some roles, such as COO, are hard to translate with a single term because the scope differs from company to company.

How to describe C-level roles in the company structure

Every C-level role needs a job description, a defined area of responsibility and a clear reporting line. Clear job descriptions and well-defined responsibilities make decisions, delegation and collaboration easier, whether your team works in the office, remotely or hybrid.

In PeopleForce, the company org chart is built automatically in Core HR from employee profiles: the manager and department in each profile set the person's place on the chart. You can view the chart by people or by departments, and access to it is controlled with roles. When a job title or manager changes in a profile, the chart changes too.

Frequently asked questions

What does CEO stand for?

CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer, the top executive of a company. The CEO sets the strategy, makes the main decisions and reports to the owners or the board of directors.

What does CFO stand for?

CFO stands for Chief Financial Officer, the executive in charge of finance. The CFO is responsible for the budget, financial reporting, cost control and relationships with investors and banks.

What does COO stand for?

COO stands for Chief Operating Officer, the executive who runs day-to-day operations. The COO turns the CEO's strategy into processes, schedules and resource plans.

What does CMO mean in business?

In business, CMO means Chief Marketing Officer, the executive responsible for brand, marketing campaigns and customer acquisition. The CMO usually reports to the CEO.

Who ranks higher: CEO, COO or CFO?

The CEO ranks highest. The COO and CFO usually report to the CEO: the COO runs operations, the CFO runs finance, and the CEO sets the company's strategy.

What do CCO and CSO stand for?

Each has three common meanings. CCO can be a Chief Compliance Officer, a Chief Communications Officer or a Chief Commercial Officer. CSO can be a Chief Sales Officer, a Chief Strategy Officer or a Chief Security Officer. The company's job description shows which one is meant.

What is a CGO?

A CGO (Chief Growth Officer) is the executive in charge of growth. The CGO aligns marketing, sales and product to grow revenue and usually reports directly to the CEO.

Which SOC code applies to a CEO in the UK?

A CEO falls under SOC 2020 unit group 1111, Chief executives and senior officials. The code is used on official forms such as a certificate of sponsorship, while the company can keep the CEO title in its own structure and job ads.

How is a CEO different from a managing director?

A CEO leads the whole company. A managing director often runs a regional office, a subsidiary or a large business unit, although in many UK private companies the two titles mean the same role.