Executive officer
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While executive officer literally refers to a person responsible for the performance of duties involved in running an organization, the exact meaning of the role is variable, depending on the organization.
[edit] Military
In many militaries' units, the executive officer (XO) is the second-in-command, reporting to the commanding officer (CO). The XO is typically responsible for the management of day-to-day activities, freeing the commander to concentrate on planning the unit's next move. The XO also takes charge in the absence of the commander, and the position is frequently a stepping stone to a command position.
The term is not used in the British Army or Royal Marines, in which the designation second-in-command (2i/c) is used as a formal appointment, or in the Royal Air Force. On smaller ships of the Royal Navy (such as submarines and frigates), the executive officer also holds the position of first lieutenant and is usually referred to as such. On larger ships, in which the XO holds the rank of commander, the XO is usually referred to simply as "the Commander". The XO heads the executive department.
The United States Air Force uses the titles of "vice commander" or "deputy commander" for an officer who is second-in-command, while "executive officer" is used for an officer with the same duties as an administrative officer in the United States Navy.
[edit] Non-military
In business, executive officers are the top officers of a corporation, the chief executive officer (CEO) being the best-known type. The definition varies; for instance, the California Corporate Disclosure Act defines "executive officers" as the five most highly-compensated officers not also sitting on the board of directors.
In government, "executive officer" may be anyone with decision-making responsibility in the government's executive branch. In the British and Irish Civil Services, it is a junior managerial grade.
In the airline industry, an executive officer, more commonly known as a first officer, is the second in command of the aircraft and sits in the right seat of fixed wing aircraft, and in the left of rotary wing aircraft.de:Erster Offizier fr:Commandant en second
