Guide to executive leadership teams
Business success is rarely accidental. At the very top of any thriving organisation sits a group tasked with setting the strategic direction, steering through challenges, and ensuring future success.
These professionals do more than keep the company running. They define where it is heading. Their work requires vision, focus, and team cohesion. For any business seeking growth or transformation, understanding how the executive leadership team works is essential.
What is an executive leadership team?
The executive leadership team (ELT) is the highest decision-making body in a business. Unlike management tiers that centre on specific departments, the ELT looks after the whole enterprise.
Key aspects of an executive leadership team include:
- Shaping the long-term vision and strategy
- Collectively responsible for business outcomes
- Balancing stakeholder interests, including boards, staff, investors, and customers
You might recognise this group as the C-suite because its members typically hold “Chief” titles. The role requires balancing competing priorities and making decisions with company-wide impact.
Examples of executive leadership roles
Every executive leadership team is unique, but most include certain core positions.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Represents the business, connects the board and staff, and sets the overall agenda.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Oversees funding, budgeting, and financial strategy. Responsible for evaluating risk and growth opportunities.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Turns strategy into action. Ensures day-to-day operations stay aligned with business objectives.
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Manages technology and innovation. Bridges technology with business needs.
- Other C-suite roles: Positions like Chief Marketing Officer or Chief People Officer may also play a key part, depending on the business’s focus.
The difference between executive leadership and senior management teams
Many mix up the executive and the senior leadership teams, but they are distinct, especially in larger organisations.
- Senior leadership team: Usually heads of departments or divisions. These senior managers focus on daily operations in their own areas and ensure their team members hit goals.
- Executive leadership team (ELT): Focuses on high-level vision, long-term priorities, and strategic decisions. Rarely involved in the small details of everyday business.
The Executive leadership team sets direction for the entire business. Senior leaders translate this direction into concrete tasks for individual teams and manage the direct reports.
Role of the executive leadership team
The role of the ELT extends far beyond managing one business function. Their responsibilities span:
Set vision and strategy
- Deciding the company’s long-term path forward
- Analysing market trends to stay competitive
- Establishing priorities that support success
Manage risk and governance
- Leading on risk management, including compliance, finance, and reputation
- Introducing frameworks to keep the business protected
Build the right culture
- Shaping and modelling business values
- Enabling employees to perform at their best
- Focusing on employee engagement and leadership development
Executive leadership skills that matter today
Executive responsibilities are increasingly important in an environment where organisations must respond to rapid shifts in technology and industry competition. Effective executive leaders combine technical capability with strong interpersonal skills that help them guide people through change.
Key skills that support strong executive leadership include:
- Strategic thinking while considering multiple perspectives.
- Leadership that creates clarity during change and uncertainty.
- Communication and presentation skills that support influence at the board level.
- The ability to lead small groups and large audiences with confidence.
- Management of competing priorities while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
- Commitment to leadership development that strengthens future capability.
- Awareness of challenges that may disrupt the organisation’s direction.
- The ability to connect decisions with impact on employees, customers and the broader business.
These skills help senior executives shape culture, enable employees and support leaders throughout the organisation.
How to support growth with executive leadership training
Executive leadership programs allow managers to dive deeper into their strengths, expand their capabilities, and reflect on what their teams need next. Training opportunities at this level often focus on strategic planning, professional development, decision-making and the behaviours that influence organisational culture.
Common development areas include:
- Strengthening stakeholder relationships.
- Understanding the balance between innovation and risk.
- Building a high-performing team by supporting direct reports.
- Making decisions that support the organisation’s long-term viability.
Investing in executive capability ensures business leaders feel supported as they guide the organisation through change.
At Hays, we specialise in supporting organisations with the expertise to build strong executive leadership teams. From recruiting C-level executives to fostering professional development, we help position your business for lasting success.