Introduction
C-Suite refers to the board of a company, the group of people who are in charge of a company’s management. C-suite gets its name from the designations of the top executives of a company which includes Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) and so on.
Understanding C-Suite
The C-Suite consists of the most important and key managerial personnel of the company or an organisation. The people holding key positions generally have many years of experience, training, and leadership capabilities.
C-Suite personnel also emerge from technical backgrounds, having acquired experience and training in their respective fields. For example, the position of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Generally, the individuals who rise from the lower levels to the managerial level, cultivate visionary objectives for the organisation. The broadminded outlook is in addition to the technical skills, knowledge and training a person acquires over a period of time while working in an organisation.
Various designations are included in the C-Suite position: 1. Chief Analytics Officer (CAO) 2. Chief Human Resources Manager (CHRM) 3. Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) 4. Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) 5. Chief Green Officer (CGO) 6. Chief Data Officer (CDO) 7. Chief Security Officer (CSO)
The number of positions at the C-Suite level depends on the type and size of an organisation. Smaller companies may have just a Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CEO) and an HR manager. Larger companies can have a CEO, CFO, COO, CHRM, CCO, and CSO.
Role of CEO
The CEO functions as the head of a company who takes the decisions for the company. The CEO often takes the advice of the other members of the management team, the board of directors, and other heads of the company while taking decisions. The CEO can have any type of career background, but they should have leadership qualities and should be capable of taking decisions in the best interests of the company.
Conclusion
The typical C-Suite positions at the management level consist of CEO assisted by a CFO and COO. Other companies, especially which are technology-driven, may have a Chief Data Officer (CDO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and/or Chief Analytics Officer (CAO). Apart from these, companies may have a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to develop marketing strategies and plans.
