Executive Director vs General Manager — Who is Higher, Salary, Duties & Hierarchy (2025)
Executive Director vs General Manager — Who is Higher, Salary, Duties, and Key Differences (2025)
If you’re confused about who is higher — Executive Director vs General Manager, how their salary and responsibilities differ, or what the difference between Executive Director, Managing Director, and CEO is — this detailed comparison will clear all your doubts with facts, salary data, and examples.
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Meaning of Executive Director and General Manager
- Executive Director (ED): A high-ranking company executive and board member responsible for implementing strategic decisions and corporate governance. In many organizations, the Executive Director is equivalent to the CEO or reports directly to the Board of Directors.
- General Manager (GM): A senior-level manager responsible for day-to-day operations, staff supervision, and achieving departmental or company-wide performance goals.
In simple terms, the Executive Director focuses on strategy and leadership, while the General Manager focuses on operations and execution.
Executive Director vs General Manager — Key Difference
| Feature | Executive Director (ED) | General Manager (GM) |
|---|---|---|
| Position Level | Top-level executive, often part of the Board | Middle to senior-level management |
| Reports To | Board of Directors / Managing Director / CEO | Executive Director / Managing Director |
| Responsibilities | Company strategy, leadership, compliance, and board relations | Operations, performance management, and business execution |
| Decision-Making Power | High — strategic and organizational | Moderate — operational and departmental |
| Rank Hierarchy | Above General Manager | Below Executive Director |
| Salary Range (India, 2025) | ₹35 lakh – ₹1 crore / year | ₹18 lakh – ₹50 lakh / year |
Who is Higher — Executive Director or General Manager?
The Executive Director is higher than the General Manager. While the GM handles daily operations, the ED oversees the organization’s entire direction, long-term goals, and compliance with board-level decisions. In short: Board of Directors → Executive Director → General Manager → Department Heads.
Executive Director vs Director
The difference lies in involvement:
- Director: A board member, often non-executive, involved in governance and decision approval.
- Executive Director: A board member who is actively managing the company’s day-to-day affairs and strategy implementation.
So, Executive Director = Full-time executive, while Director = Advisory or oversight role.
Managing Director or Executive Director — Who is Higher?
The Managing Director (MD) is higher than the Executive Director. The MD has overall control of the company’s performance and reports directly to the Board or Chairman. The Executive Director, in turn, works under the Managing Director and leads specific divisions or company-wide functions.
Executive Director vs Managing Director
| Aspect | Executive Director | Managing Director |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Below MD | Top-most executive |
| Focus Area | Execution of strategic goals | Vision, direction, and company performance |
| Reports To | Managing Director / CEO | Board of Directors |
| Scope | Departmental or functional | Entire company |
Managing Director vs General Manager
In hierarchy, Managing Director > Executive Director > General Manager. The Managing Director shapes policy and business vision, while the General Manager ensures that those plans are successfully executed by teams.
Executive Director vs CEO
In many organizations, the Executive Director and CEO can be equivalent titles — especially in non-profits or small organizations. However, in corporations:
- CEO is the overall head of the company, reporting to the Board.
- Executive Director may lead specific functions or act as a regional/departmental head under the CEO.
Who is the Boss of an Executive Director?
The Managing Director or CEO is usually the direct superior of an Executive Director. In organizations where the Executive Director is the top executive (common in NGOs), they report directly to the Board of Directors.
Executive Director Salary in India (2025)
| Position | Average Annual Salary (INR) | Top Company Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Manager | ₹18 – ₹50 lakh | ₹70 lakh+ |
| Executive Director | ₹35 lakh – ₹1 crore | ₹1.5 crore+ |
| Managing Director | ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore | ₹5 crore+ |
| CEO | ₹1 crore – ₹5 crore+ | Up to ₹20 crore+ (top corporates) |
Hierarchy at a Glance — Corporate Management Chain
The corporate power structure (from top to middle level) is usually:
- Board of Directors
- Chairman
- Managing Director (MD)
- Executive Director (ED)
- General Manager (GM)
- Department Heads / Managers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is higher — Executive Director or General Manager?
Executive Director is higher. The GM reports to the ED and handles operations, while the ED oversees strategy and leadership.
Q2: Executive Director vs Director — What’s the difference?
An Executive Director is a working member of management, while a Director may only sit on the board for oversight and governance.
Q3: Managing Director or Executive Director — Who is higher?
The Managing Director is higher and often the company’s top executive.
Q4: What is Executive Director salary in India?
Executive Directors in India earn between ₹35 lakh and ₹1 crore annually depending on industry, size, and experience.
Q5: Who does the Executive Director report to?
The Executive Director reports to the Managing Director or Board of Directors.
Q6: Executive Director vs CEO — Are they same?
In small companies or NGOs, yes. In large corporations, the CEO is above the Executive Director.
Conclusion
In the corporate hierarchy, Executive Director stands above the General Manager and below the Managing Director. While the General Manager ensures smooth daily operations, the Executive Director drives company strategy, leadership, and compliance. In short: Managing Director > Executive Director > General Manager.
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