The term chief executive officer (CEO) is a widely used title across industries and sectors. However, there are several synonyms that a company can use instead of CEO, such as managing director, president, executive director, and chief operating officer (COO). A managing director is someone who manages the entire business activities of a company. A president is the highest-ranking officer, responsible for setting the direction of the organization. An executive director is responsible for implementing policies and overseeing operations. A COO is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. While the role and responsibilities may vary slightly, each of these synonyms represents the highest-ranking executive position at an organization.