Senior managers or officials who have decision-making authority and responsibility for implementing policies in an organization.
From Latin 'executivus', meaning 'carrying out' or 'performing'. Derived from 'exsequi' (to follow out, accomplish). The modern business sense emerged in the early 20th century as corporate structures became more complex.
The word shares its root with 'execute' and 'execution', highlighting that executives are literally those who 'carry out' organizational strategy. Interestingly, executive orders in government carry the same etymological meaning - directives that are executed or carried out.
Executive roles historically coded masculine; women remain underrepresented in C-suite positions globally (typically 10-20%). Leadership language itself carries masculine defaults ('assertive,' 'commanding').
Use 'executives' neutrally but actively diversify who occupies these roles in communications. Avoid gendered leadership descriptors.
["leaders","senior managers","decision-makers"]
Women executives have built major companies and institutions; highlight their strategies and innovations when they're underrepresented in coverage.
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