Executive officer

An executive officer is a person who is largely responsible for guiding all or a portion of a company, while the specific nature of the function differs from organisation to organisation. Many military and police departments have executive officers, sometimes known as "XOs," who are second in command, reporting directly to the commanding officer. The XO is often in charge of the day-to-day operations of the unit, allowing the commander to devote his or her time to strategy and the preparation of the unit's next move.

Executive officers are the highest-ranking executives in a firm, with the chief executive officer (CEO) being the most well-known variety. According to the California Corporate Disclosure Act, "executive officers" are defined as the five most highly paid executives who are not also members of the board of directors. Many insurance plans define executive officer as any chairman, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, president, or general counsel in the context of a business. In the event of a sole proprietorship, the single owner is the executive officer. For partnerships, an executive officer is referred to as a managing partner, senior partner, or administrative officer. An executive officer is any member, manager, or officer of a limited liability business.

The executive officer(s) of a charity, voluntary sector, or non-profit organisation are individuals who are appointed to make day-to-day decisions on behalf of the organisation. A formal appointment is often made by the executive board of trustees. Specific roles and scope vary depending on the situation, and are frequently outlined in a governance document.