There are a variety of synonyms that can be used instead of "people in charge." One option is "leaders," which refers to individuals who guide and direct a group towards a common goal. "Decision makers" is another phrase that can be used as a synonym, as it identifies those who have the authority to make important choices for a company or organization. "Executives" is a more formal term that is often used to describe those in charge of higher-level management positions, while "managers" typically refers to those with supervisory responsibilities over a specific department or team. Ultimately, there are many ways to describe those who are responsible for overseeing and directing others, and the specific term used often depends on the context.