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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Chairman and President?

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The main difference between a chairman and a president lies in their roles and responsibilities within an organization.

A chairman is the presiding officer of a board of directors or committee, with their responsibilities and powers varying depending on the organization's bylaws, industry, and jurisdiction. Key roles and responsibilities of a chairman include:

  • Board leadership: Presiding over board meetings, setting the agenda, and facilitating discussions among board members.
  • Strategic guidance: Working closely with the CEO and other executives to develop and refine the organization's strategic vision.
  • Governance oversight: Ensuring the organization is well-run and that board decisions are executed effectively.

A president is a senior executive position within an organization, often also referred to as the chief executive officer (CEO). The president is responsible for managing a company's operations and performance, implementing corporate policy as established by the board of directors, and reporting to the board.

In summary, the chairman runs the board, while the president runs the business. In some cases, the same individual may serve as both the chairman and the president, especially in smaller companies.

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  • What is the Difference Between Chairman and President?
  • Comparative Table: Chairman vs President

    • Comparative Table: Chairman vs President

    The difference between a Chairman and a President in a company primarily lies in their roles and responsibilities within the organization. Here is a comparison table highlighting their key differences:

    Chairman President
    The Chairman is the head of the board of directors, responsible for leading and managing the board's activities. The President is the most senior corporate officer, responsible for running the business and reporting to the board of directors.
    The Chairman presides over board meetings, sets the agenda, and facilitates discussions among board members. The President makes major corporate decisions, manages the overall operations and resources of the company, and establishes strategic direction.
    The Chairman's role is primarily non-executive, focused on board leadership and governance oversight. The President's role is executive, involved in the day-to-day management of the company.
    In some cases, the Chairman may also hold executive responsibilities, such as CEO or President. The President is often assisted by Vice Presidents and other executive officers.

    In summary, the Chairman runs the board, while the President runs the business. Sometimes, the President and CEO may also be the Chairman of the board.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.