CEO vs Manager vs General Manager — Salary, Roles, and Hierarchy (2025)
CEO vs Manager vs General Manager — Roles, Salary, and Difference Explained (2025)
When it comes to corporate hierarchy, people often wonder — what is the difference between a CEO and a Manager? Who is higher between CEO vs General Manager? Or, how does the Managing Director vs CEO vs General Manager comparison work? In this article, we’ll clearly explain every role, from Manager to CEO to Chairman, along with salary comparisons, responsibilities, and hierarchy in a company.
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What is a CEO?
CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer. The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for setting strategy, making major decisions, and leading the overall organization. The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors or the Chairman.
- Full Form: Chief Executive Officer
- Reports To: Board of Directors / Chairman
- Responsibilities: Strategic decisions, vision setting, company performance, leadership
What is a Manager?
A Manager oversees a team or department within a company. Managers handle daily operations, employee supervision, and implementation of strategies created by higher-level executives like the CEO or General Manager.
- Full Form: Manager (Departmental or Functional Head)
- Reports To: General Manager / Senior Manager / Director
- Responsibilities: Team management, project execution, performance tracking
CEO vs Manager — Key Differences
| Feature | CEO (Chief Executive Officer) | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Position Level | Top Executive | Middle-Level Management |
| Reports To | Board of Directors / Chairman | General Manager / Director |
| Scope of Work | Entire Organization | Specific Team or Department |
| Decision Type | Strategic and Long-Term | Tactical and Operational |
| Average Salary (India 2025) | ₹1.5 Crore – ₹25 Crore / year | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh / year |
| Examples | Sundar Pichai (Google), Tim Cook (Apple) | Department Managers, Project Managers |
CEO vs General Manager
The General Manager (GM) oversees multiple departments and reports to the CEO. The CEO makes the strategic decisions, while the GM ensures smooth operational execution. In short, the CEO creates direction, and the General Manager executes it.
Managing Director vs General Manager vs CEO
Many organizations use all three titles, and their roles differ slightly based on structure:
| Position | Reports To | Main Role | Power Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manager | General Manager / Director | Supervises daily operations | Operational |
| General Manager | CEO / Managing Director | Coordinates departments and manages performance | Executive (Mid-High) |
| Managing Director | Board of Directors | Oversees entire company operations under the CEO/Chairman | High |
| CEO | Board of Directors / Chairman | Sets vision, approves budgets, leads organization | Highest |
CEO or Managing Director — Who is Higher?
In most companies, the CEO is higher than the Managing Director because the CEO represents the entire organization before the board and investors. However, in some corporate structures (especially in India and the UK), the Managing Director and CEO roles overlap — often, the same person holds both titles.
CEO vs Chairman — Who is the Boss?
The Chairman heads the Board of Directors and oversees the company’s governance. The CEO runs the company’s daily operations. The Chairman is technically higher but doesn’t manage daily business. In short: Chairman > CEO > Managing Director > General Manager > Manager.
General Manager vs CEO Salary (India 2025)
| Position | Average Salary Range | Typical Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh / year | 5–12 years |
| General Manager | ₹25 Lakh – ₹80 Lakh / year | 12–20 years |
| Managing Director | ₹1 Crore – ₹10 Crore / year | 20+ years |
| CEO | ₹1.5 Crore – ₹25 Crore / year | 25+ years, proven leadership |
At a Glance — CEO vs Manager vs General Manager
| Criteria | CEO | General Manager | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hierarchy Level | Top | Upper-Middle | Mid-Level |
| Focus Area | Strategy & Vision | Coordination & Performance | Execution & Supervision |
| Reports To | Board / Chairman | CEO / Managing Director | General Manager |
| Decision Type | Strategic | Managerial | Operational |
| Average Salary (India 2025) | ₹1.5 Cr – ₹25 Cr | ₹25 Lakh – ₹80 Lakh | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: CEO vs Manager — Who is higher?
A: The CEO is the highest executive, while the Manager works under senior leadership to execute departmental goals.
Q2: CEO vs General Manager — Who has more power?
A: The CEO has more power and responsibility. The General Manager executes strategies created by the CEO.
Q3: CEO or Managing Director — who is higher?
A: Usually, the CEO is higher. The Managing Director handles day-to-day operations under the CEO’s guidance.
Q4: What is the CEO vs Manager salary difference?
A: A CEO earns ₹1.5–25 crore annually, while a Manager earns ₹6–25 lakh per year depending on experience and company type.
Q5: CEO vs Chairman — who is above?
A: The Chairman is above the CEO, as they lead the Board and hold the ultimate decision-making power.
Conclusion
In the CEO vs Manager vs General Manager hierarchy, the CEO is at the top — setting the vision and strategy of the company. The General Manager bridges the gap between strategy and execution, while the Manager ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals aim for the next step in their corporate career ladder.