C-suite, or C-level, is a widely-used vernacular describing a cluster of a corporation's most important senior executives. C-suite gets its name from the titles of top senior executives, which tend to start with the letter C, for "chief," as in chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief information officer (CIO).
Understanding the C-Suite
The C-suite is deemed the most senior and influential group of people within a company and typically requires a range of experience and leadership skills.
The positions of the CEO, CFO, and COO are not only considered to the C-suite. The formation of an executive team could also include other C-Suite officers such as;
- Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Human Resources Manager (CHRM)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Company Secretary
- C-level positions can vary, depending a company's size, mission, and sector
Role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO traditionally serves as the face of the company and frequently consults other C-suite members for advice on specialised decisions. CEOs can come from any career background, as long as they have cultivated substantial leadership and decision-making skills along their career paths.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The CFO position represents the top of the corporate ladder for financial analysts and accountants striving for upward mobility. Portfolio management, accounting, investment research, and financial analysis are the prime skills that CFOs must possess. CFOs have global mindsets and work closely with CEOs to source new business opportunities while weighing the financial risks and benefits of each potential venture.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
A leader in information technology, the CIO usually gets his or her start as a business analyst, then works towards C-level glory, while developing technical skills in disciplines such as programming, coding, project management, and mapping. CIOs are usually skilled at applying these functional skills to risk management, business strategy, and finance activities. In many companies, CIOs are referred to as the chief technology officers.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
The COO ensures a company's operations run smoothly. They focus is in areas such as recruitment, training, payroll, legal, and administrative services. The COO is usually second in command to the CEO.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
The CMO typically works its way up to the C-suite from sales or marketing roles. These execs are skilled at managing social innovation and product development initiatives across both brick-and-mortar establishments and electronic platforms—the latter of which is highly essential in today's digital era.
Responsibilities at the C-Level
C-level members work in concert to ensure a company’s strategies and operations align with their established plans and policies. With public companies, activities that don't lean toward increased profits for shareholders are routinely corrected, under the purview of C-level management personnel.
About Us:
Sage Ventures specialise in supporting emerging companies with their corporate executive administrative functions, bringing 20 years of corporate C-suite experience. We work with public listed companies, covering various sectors and environments in Medical Device, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, Start-ups and Science and Technology.
We also support HNWI's and small business consultancies providing them with an extended team to assist with building their business.
