Who is our CEO?
⚡ In a Hurry? Quick Answer
State the CEO's full name confidently. Fact-check this on their website or LinkedIn before the interview. Getting this wrong is embarrassing and shows lack of basic research.
💡 The Recruiter's Mind
This is a softball question that tests basic preparation. They're checking: Did you do the bare minimum research? Do you care about who leads this company? Not knowing the CEO's name suggests you're applying to dozens of companies without genuine interest. If you can add a relevant detail about the CEO's background or recent interview, you'll stand out as someone who went beyond the minimum.
The Confident Answer Framework
- State the name clearly: Use their full name with confidence
- Add one relevant detail: Mention their background or a recent achievement
- Connect to the company: Show how their leadership excites you
- Keep it brief: Don't overdo it - this is a factual question
Example Answers by Situation
Well-Known CEO
"Your CEO is Sarah Chen. I actually read her recent interview in TechCrunch about scaling companies sustainably, which really resonated with me. Her focus on building strong team culture while growing rapidly aligns with the values I look for in leadership."
Founder-CEO
"The CEO is Michael Rodriguez, who founded the company in 2015. I read on the About page that he started HealthTech Solutions after his own experience navigating the healthcare system. That mission-driven origin story is what drew me to apply here in the first place."
Recently Appointed CEO
"Your CEO is Jennifer Williams, who was appointed just six months ago after serving as COO for three years. I saw the announcement about her promotion and the company's new strategic direction toward international expansion. It's an exciting time to be joining during this transformation."
🚫 Red Flags to Avoid
- Saying "I don't know" or "I'm not sure" - this is easily researched
- Getting the name wrong or confusing them with a competitor's CEO
- Mispronouncing their name when it's clearly stated on their website
- Making up fake details about the CEO if you don't know
- Being overly familiar ("Oh yeah, I follow Steve on Twitter") when you've never interacted
- Criticizing the CEO or mentioning negative news
Pro Tips for Leadership Research
- Check the website first: Look for "About Us" or "Leadership Team" pages
- Verify on LinkedIn: Confirm the current CEO in case of recent changes
- Read one article: Find a recent interview or news piece featuring the CEO
- Note pronunciation: If the name is unfamiliar, search for video interviews to hear it pronounced
- Know the executive team: Be prepared for follow-up questions about other leaders
- Check for changes: Verify information within the last month - leadership can change