chairman

/ˈtʃeəmən/ noun [C] (plural chairmen)

Definition

› MEETINGS a person, especially a man, who is in charge of a meeting: The chairman called the meeting to order. → See also chair noun, chairperson, chairwoman

› a person who is in charge of a committee or an organization: appoint sb (as) chairman He was appointed chairman of the British Bankers' Association.serve/resign/step down as chairman She has decided to step down as chairman next year.

› WORKPLACE, MANAGEMENT a person who is in charge of a large company, especially the chairman of the board: appoint sb (as) chairman She was one of the few women to be appointed chairman of a FTSE 100 company.serve/resign/step down as chairman After serving as chairman for the past five years, he will retire at the end of the next financial year. The chairman's role includes managing the board's business and acting as its facilitator and guide.deputy/vice chairman Dr Johnson was not only vice chairman but also one of the founders of the company.

→ See also executive chairman

(Definition of chairman noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)