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Does a CEO have more power than an owner?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on January 17, 2026

While the Chairman technically has higher level powers, the CEO is indeed “the boss” of a company. Then again, there are cases when both the chairman and CEO positions are held by the same person, as is the case with a lot of companies who retain their founders in powerful positions.

Who is more important CEO or owner?

While most large companies will have a CEO who is the highest-level executive in charge, smaller companies are usually run by an owner. The CEO is in charge of the overall management of the company, while the owner has sole proprietorship of the company.

Does CEO have the most power?

The investors have the most power, more than the CEO, and more than the board of directors, in any company. Simply put, the board reports to the investors.

Who has power over a CEO?

A company’s chief executive officer is the top dog, the ultimate authority in making management decisions. Even so, the CEO answers to the board of directors representing the stockholders and owners. The board sets long-term goals and oversees the company. It has the power to fire the CEO and approve a replacement.

Which is more powerful, a chairman or a CEO?

Difference between Chairman and CEO So, the question is CEO vs Chairmen, who is more powerful? A Chief Executive Officer or CEO is the highest-ranking officer in the company. In corporate governance and structure, a President of a company holds the title of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

What’s the difference between a CEO and a board of directors?

Perhaps the biggest question regarding how a company is organized deals with the difference between the board of directors and the chief executive officer (CEO). Both have a significant amount of power over the company. Both the CEO and board members hold positions of prominence.

Can a company have both a CEO and a president?

In a company with subsidiaries, it would be unusual to have one person carry out the roles of both CEO and president, although it does happen at times, often with smaller businesses. In such instances, the small business is often owned by the same person who is also the CEO and president.

What’s the role of the CEO in a company?

Because the board is in charge of executive functions, and the CEO is responsible for integrating company policy into day-to-day operations, the CEO often fills the role of chairperson of the board . Another factor that determines the positions of company officers is its corporate structure.