An Japanese executive search firm explains what CxO is
What is “CxO”?
CxO stands for “Chief x Officer”, which can be transliterated as “Chief x Officer” in Japanese. The “x” can be used as a variable to indicate what the chief officer is responsible for by inserting the first letter of the various tasks and functions in the company’s activities. For example, CEO is the chief executive officer, CFO is the chief financial officer and so on, which means that he or she is responsible for the highest position.
Be careful when referring to C “X “O
If you write “CXO” as capital letters “X”, the term “Chief eXperience Officer” is used.
In English, the term “C-suite” or “C-class” is more common, while CxO is less commonly used and is a local expression in Japan.
Differences between CxOs and directors or executive officers
CxOs, like executive directors and divisional managers, do not have the powers of directors under the Companies Act. As such, the term is self-explanatory by companies as a job title to indicate a job role within or outside the organisation.
The definition, roles and tasks vary from company to company, which means that a person with the position of “CxO” does not necessarily have a decision-making role in the management of the company.
List of CxO positions and their roles
The following is a list of typical CxO positions and their roles.
CEO (Chief Excecutive Officer): chief executive officer
COO (Chief Operating Officer): Chief Operating Officer
CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Chief Financial Officer
CMO (Chief Marketing Officer): Chief Marketing Officer
CTO (Chief Technical Officer): Chief Technical Officer
CIO (Chief Information Officer): Chief Information Officer
CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officer): Chief Human Resources Officer
Background to the increase in the number of CxOs in Japanese companies
CxOs have often been used in overseas companies, but an increasing number of Japanese companies have recently introduced CxOs.
Behind this is the concept of separation of management and execution.
In corporate management, both offensive management decisions and defensive corporate operations are essential.
By separating offensive management decisions as an executive officer (Officer) and the monitoring and management of corporate operations as a director (Director), it is possible to carry out sound and growing corporate management. This concept follows the Western style of corporate management and compliance, and is now prevalent in Japan as well.
If you are currently a CxO or are considering a career in CxO, please contact East West, we have a wealth of experience in CxO and management-level executive search.
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