Around several militaries, an Executive Officer (XO) is the second-around-command, coverage to the Commanding Officer (CO). A XO is occasionally responsible a management of daily-to-day activities, freeing a commander to concentrate in planning the unit's next move. the XO likewise take hold in the absence of the commander, & the position is often a stepping stone to a command position. A term is non utilized in the British Army, in which a designation Second-in-Command (2i/c) is used as a formal appointment. Inside smaller ships of the Royal Navy (such as submarines and frigates), a Executive Officer likewise holds the position of First Lieutenant and is usually known as such. Inside larger ships, where he holds a rank of Commander, he is usually referred to only when "the Commander". A XO heads a Executive Department.

Around business, a executive officers come the top officers of a corporation, the chief executive officer (CEO) being a right-known nature and severity. A definition varies; e.g., a California Corporate Disclosure Act defines "executive officers" as a 5 virtually all extremely-compensated officers non besides seated on the board of directors.

Around government, "executive officer" may be anyone by using guide-making responsibility in the executive branch of the government. In the British & Irish civil services, these are the junior administrative grade.