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This question is about what a chief executive officer does and what a chief operating officer does.
COO vs. CEO
The COO, or Chief Operations Officer, is the second in command at a company or corporation, while a CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is the first in command at a company or corporation.
The COO of a company or corporation is considered the CEO's right-hand man or woman. COOs take the CEO's vision for the company and turn it into an executable business plan, overseeing all operations and ensuring teams work toward the company's goals. COOs are responsible for daily operations and how a company functions.
The CEO is the head of a company or corporation and the highest-ranking official. CEOs formulate business objectives and make strategic decisions, such as expansion in a new market or the development of a new product. A CEO reports to a company's board of directors. Their focus is external as they collaborate with investors, partners, and other external stakeholders.
Here are the key differences between a COO and a CEO:
| A COO is second in command at a company and reports to the CEO. | A CEO is first in command of a company and reports to the company's board of directors. |
| A COO uses the CEO's vision for the company and turns it into an actionable business plan. | A CEO formulates business objectives and makes strategic decisions. |
| A COO oversees daily operations and ensures that the company's teams are working towards its business objectives. | A CEO seeks to collaborate with investors, partners, and other external stakeholders. |
| A COO has an internal focus related to the company. | A CEO has an external focus related to the company. |
| A COO has an average salary of $464,033 per year. | A CEO has an average salary of $796,134 per year. |
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