noun
managing director; executive director
A senior executive title in Japanese organizations, often responsible for day-to-day operations. Typically ranks above a regular director (理事) and below a chairman or president.
彼は来月から専務理事に就任する。
He will assume the post of managing director from next month.
専務理事として、会社の運営全般を監督している。
As managing director, he oversees the overall operations of the company.
Compound of 専務 (senmu, 'special duty' or 'executive') and 理事 (riji, 'director'). The term is a modern organizational title.