C-suite refers to the leading corporate positions that usually start with “chief.” There is a wide variety of these positions handling the different responsibilities in a company. Some organizations put more responsibility into fewer positions, while others have a larger pool of executives.
CEOs have major management and financial responsibility. They coordinate other executives and act as the public face of the company. CEOs also channel communication between board members and the executive team. Serving as a CEO requires excellent leadership, communication and financial skills.
COOs usually carry out the strategies set out by the CEO and oversee everyday operations in the company. The COO’s responsibilities and decision-making authority depend on the company’s size and structure.
CFOs usually come from a career track in financial analysis and accounting. The CFO manages the financial decisions in a company, including portfolio management, accounting, investment research and financial analysis.
CTOs handle a company’s technological and research needs in a strategic focus. Traditionally this role has been performed the CIO (Chief Information Officer), but large companies have had growing demand to create a separate role, placing CIOs in a position to oversee IT operations.
CKOs are a somewhat new position. The prime responsibility of the CKO is to coordinate and increase the knowledge of teams and individuals in the company to increase creative value in the company.
The CSO is responsible for security of people physical property and information in a company. This position is increasingly important due to the need to protect digital information.
CMOs have an important role in shaping a company’s brand, advertisement, market research, pricing, customer service and other important aspects in a company’s presence in a public marketplace.