C-Suite

What is the C-Suite?

The C-suite, also called the C-level, is used to categorize the most senior executives of an organization. C-suite comes from the titles of top executives, which typically start with the letter “C.”

Understanding C-Suite

The C-suite is the most important and influential group of individuals in an organization. To become part of the C-suite, significant business experience and leadership skills are required. C-suite members play a strategic role within an organization and are expected to make tough decisions that impact the business’ vision. As stated by Jeff Bezos on the David Rubenstein Show, “As a senior executive, you get paid to make a small number of high-quality decisions.”

Members of the C-suite possess strong technical skills related to their position. For example, a Chief Marketing Officer should be a marketing expert, and a Chief Financial Officer should demonstrate strong expertise in finance and accounting. Furthermore, they possess a strong strategic mindset and exceptional leadership skills, capable of making high-quality decisions and managing conflict, and are adaptable.

C-suite members commonly receive lucrative compensation packages, such as salaries well in excess of $100,000, stock options, health benefits, and paid vacation. It is to compensate for the inherently highly stressful nature of a position in the C-Suite.

C-suite members include the:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Compliance Officer
• Chief Analytics Officer
• Chief Brand Officer
• Chief Commercial Officer
• Chief Data Officer
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Chief Investment Officer
• Chief Legal Officer
• Chief Medical Officer
• Chief Research Officer
• Chief Security Officer
• Chief Strategy Officer

The three most common C-suite job titles of an organization are the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Below is a brief outline of each title.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) represents the top of the corporate ladder in an organization. The CEO oversees all business operations and decisions and is responsible for the organization’s success. It is common for other C-suite members to report to the CEO. The CEO’s roles and responsibilities are discussed in depth here.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) manages the financial aspects of the organization. Responsibilities include financial planning and analysis (FP&A), liquidity management, and evaluating investment opportunities. The CFO’s roles and responsibilities are discussed in depth here.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) ensures that the organization’s business plans and strategies are properly executed and aligned. The COO is usually the second in command after the CEO. Responsibilities involve designing and implementing business strategies, establishing organization policies, and overseeing operations of each business unit. The COO’s roles and responsibilities are discussed in depth here.

Learn More

To keep advancing your career, the additional CFI resources below will be useful:

• Corporate Strategy
• Leadership Theories
• Management by Objectives (MBO)
• Middle Office
• See all career resources