Is founder higher than CEO?
Mia Phillips
Updated on February 06, 2026
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in the business. Typically, they work with the founder to carry out the business’s strategy and vision. Some founders are also CEOs. For example, Steve Jobs was a co-founder of Apple, but also a CEO.
What is under CEO?
The chief operating officer (COO) is the second-highest C-suite executive rank after the CEO. The primary responsibility of the COO is to oversee business operations, which may include marketing and sales, human resources, research and development, production, and other functions.
Who is higher CEO or chairman?
The CEO is at the highest position in a company. They head C-level members such as the COO, CTO, CFO, etc. In others their role might be at par with the CEO and they might also be a part of the board of directors. In this case they report to the chairperson of the board.
Can a CEO fire a founder?
Overview. If a CEO is a part-owner of a corporation, the board of directors can demand that she meet certain job expectations, and if the CEO fails to do so, the board of directors can vote to fire her. Also, a CEO who isn’t an owner can decide to terminate the founder of a company if the board of directors agrees.
Can I call myself a CEO?
Usually you should call yourself founder & whatever your function is (founder & CEO/CTO/…). CEO is the chief operating officer if you are a corporation. However, there’s a good reason to call yourself CEO even if your company is small.
Do you call yourself a founder or co-founder?
You will always be a Founder or Co-Founder and your title will change. Be sure to be careful however how you dole out the Founder/Co-Founder titles. That should be a lifetime title so be sure it goes to the right people who played a major role in the starting of the company and who will continue to play a role in the years to come.
Is it good to be the founder of a company?
Founder has a startup feel to it—like you built the business from the foundation up. It’s gained traction in recent years, but it only works if you actually started the company. If you purchased an existing business and did more of the buying than the founding, this title might not be right for you.
Do you write yourself as founder or CEO?
Another option is to give yourself the title President if you have plans to find someone to run your business (say if you are a technical founder) All the previous answers are good. I’m just adding my 2 cents here, you can write yourself as Founder, CEO and retain both the titles with you.
Who is the founder of the environmental progress?
Michael Shellenberger is a Time Magazine “Hero of the Environment,” Green Book Award winner, and the founder and president of Environmental Progress.