President vs. CEO — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
The president of a company often focuses on operational and administrative functions, while the CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is typically the highest-ranking executive responsible for strategic decisions and overall management.
Difference Between President and CEO
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A president in a corporate setting primarily handles day-to-day operations and internal management. Whereas, a CEO is generally responsible for making overarching corporate decisions and setting strategic direction. This delineation can vary significantly depending on the company's size and structure.
Presidents often report directly to the CEO and are second in the command chain. On the other hand, the CEO usually reports to the board of directors and is at the top of the organizational hierarchy. This structure helps streamline decision-making processes at different levels.
In some organizations, the president and the CEO roles are held by the same person, which centralizes leadership but can blur the lines between strategic and operational focuses. Conversely, when the roles are separate, it allows for a clearer division of responsibilities which can enhance organizational efficiency.
The role of the president might be more prominent in organizations with multiple divisions, as they can focus on aligning various departmental activities with the overall business strategy. Meanwhile, the CEO focuses on external matters like investor relations, public relations, and overall market positioning.
While the president might engage more with internal stakeholders such as employees and managers to implement the company's policies and strategies, the CEO often engages with external stakeholders, including investors, the media, and other partners to enhance the company’s public profile and secure its market position.
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Comparison Chart
Rank
Second in command
Highest-ranking executive
Responsibilities
Operational management
Strategic and overall management
Reporting
Reports to the CEO
Reports to the board of directors
Focus
Internal company affairs
External and overall company vision
Typical Engagement
Internal stakeholders
External stakeholders
Compare with Definitions
President
A company president may be involved in hiring key staff.
The president interviewed candidates for the new CFO position.
Ceo
CEOs are often public figures representing the company.
The CEO spoke at the industry conference last week.
President
The president of a company manages daily operations.
The president convened the management team to discuss workflow improvements.
Ceo
The CEO leads executive decision-making processes.
The CEO approved the merger with the competitor.
President
The president often represents the company in local corporate events.
The president attended the chamber of commerce meeting.
Ceo
CEOs negotiate high-level partnerships and deals.
The CEO met with potential partners to discuss a joint venture.
President
Presidents focus on implementing the CEO’s strategies.
The president developed a plan to execute the new strategic vision.
Ceo
A CEO sets the strategic direction of a company.
The CEO outlined the new global expansion plan.
President
In some firms, the president is also the chief operating officer.
As president, she streamlined the company's logistics.
Ceo
The CEO regularly updates the board of directors.
The CEO presented the annual performance report to the board.
President
One appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of people, such as an assembly or meeting.
Ceo
(aviation) CEO
President
The chief executive of a republic.
Ceo
The corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
President
The chief executive officer of the United States, with powers as determined by the US Constitution.
President
The chief officer of a branch of government, corporation, board of trustees, university, or similar body.
President
The head of state of a republic.
The vast majority of presidents have been male.
President
In presidential republics, the head of government and head of state.
President
Primary leader of a corporation. Not to be confused with CEO, which is a related but separate position that is sometimes held by a different person.
President
A person presiding over a meeting; a chair, presiding officer, presider.
President
Obsolete form of precedent
President
(archaic) Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority; presiding.
President
To act as president; to do presidential duties.
President
Precedent.
President
One who is elected or appointed to preside; a presiding officer, as of a legislative body.
President
A protector; a guardian; a presiding genius.
Just Apollo, president of verse.
President
Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority; presiding.
His angels presidentIn every province.
President
An executive officer of a firm or corporation
President
The person who holds the office of head of state of the United States government;
The President likes to jog every morning
President
The chief executive of a republic
President
The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization;
Address your remarks to the chairperson
President
The head administrative officer of a college or university
President
The office of the United States head of state;
A President is elected every four years
Common Curiosities
What are the primary responsibilities of a CEO?
A CEO is responsible for setting strategic direction, making major corporate decisions, and managing the overall operations of a company.
How do the roles of president and CEO differ in large organizations?
In larger organizations, the president handles more of the internal, operational aspects, while the CEO focuses on broader strategic and external issues.
Can the same person be both president and CEO?
Yes, in many companies, one individual holds both titles, leading to centralized leadership.
Is the president part of the board of directors?
Not necessarily; it depends on the company's bylaws and board structure.
What skills are important for a president?
Operational management, attention to detail, leadership, and internal communication skills are key for a president.
Who is higher, the president or the CEO?
The CEO is typically the highest-ranking officer, while the president is second.
What does a company president do?
A company president manages day-to-day operations and internal administrative tasks.
What skills are important for a CEO?
Strategic thinking, leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management are crucial for a CEO.
Does a CEO need to have industry-specific knowledge?
Yes, having industry-specific knowledge can greatly enhance a CEO's effectiveness in guiding the company.
Does the president deal with external stakeholders?
While primarily focused on internal stakeholders, presidents may also interact with external stakeholders, particularly in smaller companies.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
