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The Daily Insight Hub

What is the main role of a CEO?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on January 14, 2026

A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a company, whose primary responsibilities include making major corporate decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of a company, acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors (the board) and corporate …

What does a CEO actually do all day?

Meetings make up a big bulk of a CEO’s day too; 72 percent of their work time is spent in meetings, compared to 28 percent alone time. The study also found CEOs value face-time: 61 percent of their communication was face-to-face, while only 24 percent was electronic (like email), and 15 percent by phone and letter.

What should I do as a CEO?

Some overall things that every CEO should be doing:

  • Leading executive team communication.
  • Adding A players, removing B/C players.
  • Documenting the vision and goals.
  • Holding the team accountable for performance.
  • Ensuring the company has the capital needed to operate and succeed.

    What does a chief executive officer ( CEO ) do?

    What Does a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Do? The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of an organization. This includes responsibility for all components and departments of a business.

    What do you need to know about being a CEO?

    Analytical skills: CEOs must participate in evaluating the success of the organization in reaching its goals. They must make sure that each strategic goal is measurable. Leadership skills: CEOs must demonstrate the leadership necessary to make the organization’s mission a success.

    What are the responsibilities of a CEO of a startup?

    A CEO’s responsibilities: everything, especially in a startup. The CEO is responsible for the success or failure of the company. Operations, marketing, strategy, financing, creation of company culture, human resources, hiring, firing, compliance with safety regulations, sales, PR, etc.—it all falls on the CEO’s shoulders.

    What’s the difference between a CEO and a COO?

    The CEO; this is the top-ranking position within the company. The COO comes second in the hierarchy and reports to the CEO. Depending on the structure of the company, the CEO could report to the board of directors, the investors or the founders of the company.