German NOUN C1 Rank 8842

der Vorstandsvorsitzender

CEO / chair of the board

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Meanings

der Vorstandsvorsitzende

CEO

The person who leads the executive board of a company or organization and holds the highest position in management. Often used synonymously with CEO (Chief Executive Officer). For a man the form is 'der Vorstandsvorsitzende' or 'ein Vorstandsvorsitzender'; for a woman it is 'die Vorstandsvorsitzende' or 'eine Vorstandsvorsitzende' (chairwoman of the board).

EXAMPLE

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende präsentierte die Jahresbilanz auf der Hauptversammlung.

The CEO presented the annual financial statement at the general meeting.

Usage tips

Compound structure

The word is made up of three parts: 'Vorstand' (executive board), the linking 's,' and 'Vorsitzender' (person who chairs something). So it literally describes the person who chairs the executive board.

EXAMPLE

Der neue Vorstandsvorsitzende hat große Pläne für das Unternehmen.

The new CEO has big plans for the company.

Adjectival declension

Although it is a noun, 'Vorsitzender' (chairperson) is declined like an adjective. This also applies to the compound. Pay attention to the endings, especially in the genitive and dative.

EXAMPLE

Die Rede des Vorstandsvorsitzenden war sehr inspirierend.

The CEO's speech was very inspiring.

Register and usage

This term belongs to the formal language of business and organizations. In everyday use, especially in the press, the English abbreviation 'CEO' is often used.

EXAMPLE

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende eines DAX-Konzerns verdient oft mehrere Millionen Euro.

The CEO of a DAX-listed corporation often earns several million euros.

Feminine form

When a woman leads the executive board, the form is 'die Vorstandsvorsitzende' or 'eine Vorstandsvorsitzende' (chairwoman of the board). This form is also declined like an adjective: after the article, it ends in '-en' in the genitive and dative ('der Vorstandsvorsitzenden'). The plural with an article is the same for men and women: 'die Vorstandsvorsitzenden'.

EXAMPLE

Die neue Vorstandsvorsitzende stellte auf der Pressekonferenz die zukünftige Strategie des Unternehmens vor.

The new chairwoman of the board presented the company's future strategy at the press conference.

Compare with

Geschäftsführer

confusable

Vorstandsvorsitzender vs Geschäftsführer

managing director

Der Geschäftsführer and der Vorstandsvorsitzende can both be at the head of a company. Geschäftsführer refers to the person who runs the company or its day-to-day operations, while Vorstandsvorsitzender specifically leads the board. Use the second title when the chairmanship of the board is meant.

Vorstandsvorsitzender

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende leitet den Vorstand des Unternehmens.

The CEO leads the company's board.

Geschäftsführer

Der Geschäftsführer leitet die laufenden Geschäfte des Unternehmens.

The managing director runs the company's day-to-day operations.

Open full word page: Geschäftsführer

In real life

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