Translation guide
The top manager or highest-ranking officer in a company or organization. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific titles that vary by context.
The highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for overall management.
Formal term for Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Used in official contexts and corporate documents.
He was appointed chief executive of the company.
The English abbreviation is widely understood in Japanese business contexts, especially in international companies.
The new CEO will take office next month.
Commonly used for 'president' or 'company head'. Often the top executive in Japanese firms, though sometimes a chairman (会長) may be above.
Formal legal title for a representative director and president. Used in official corporate registrations.
The top political leader, such as a president or prime minister, who heads the executive branch.
Used for the president of a country, especially in republics like the US. The chief executive in a presidential system.
The President of the United States is the chief executive.
Prime minister; the head of government in a parliamentary system. Often the chief executive in such countries.
Specifically 'chief executive' in contexts like the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Not used for company CEOs.
The highest-ranking officer in non-corporate entities like non-profits, hospitals, or government agencies.
Common title for the head of a foundation, non-profit organization, or medical corporation. Equivalent to chief executive in those contexts.
She serves as the chief executive of the charity.
Secretary-general or chief executive of an administrative office, often used in international organizations or NGOs.
社長 is the everyday term for the top executive of a company, while 最高経営責任者 is a formal title often used in official documents or when emphasizing the CEO role in a Western corporate structure. In many Japanese companies, the 社長 is the de facto chief executive.
Do not translate 'chief executive' word-for-word as 主幹事 or 主要執行役. These are not standard and may cause confusion. Use the appropriate title for the context.
The president announced the new strategy at the meeting.
As the representative director and president, he represents the company.
The prime minister is the chief executive of the cabinet.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong is appointed by the Chinese government.
The Secretary-General of the UN plays an important role.