EVP vs. Head of

Attribute	EVP	Head of
Position in a company	Executive Vice President	Head of Department
Responsibilities	Oversee multiple departments or functions	Lead a specific department or function
Reporting structure	Reports directly to the CEO or President	Reports to the EVP or CEO
Decision-making authority	High level of decision-making authority	Decision-making authority within their department
Scope of influence	Company-wide or multi-departmental	Department-specific

Responsibilities

Both the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Head of roles are high-level positions within an organization, typically reporting directly to the CEO. The EVP is often responsible for overseeing multiple departments or divisions within the company, while the Head of position is usually in charge of a specific area such as marketing, finance, or operations. The EVP is more focused on strategic planning and decision-making for the entire organization, while the Head of role is more hands-on and operational in nature.

Authority

When it comes to authority, the EVP typically has more power and influence within the organization compared to the Head of position. The EVP is often seen as the second-in-command to the CEO and is involved in high-level decision-making processes. They have the authority to make significant changes and set the direction for the company. On the other hand, the Head of role has authority within their specific area of responsibility but may not have as much influence over the overall direction of the organization.

Experience

Both EVP and Head of positions require a high level of experience and expertise in their respective fields. However, the EVP role typically requires more years of experience and a broader range of skills. EVPs are often seasoned executives with a track record of success in leadership roles. They are expected to have a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to navigate complex business challenges. On the other hand, the Head of position may require less overall experience but a more specialized skill set related to their specific area of responsibility.

Decision-making

When it comes to decision-making, the EVP is usually involved in setting the overall strategic direction of the organization. They are responsible for making key decisions that impact the company as a whole. The EVP works closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop long-term plans and goals for the organization. In contrast, the Head of role is more focused on making operational decisions within their area of responsibility. They are responsible for implementing the strategies set by the EVP and ensuring that their department or division meets its objectives.

Communication

Effective communication is essential for both EVP and Head of positions. The EVP must be able to communicate the company's vision and goals to employees, stakeholders, and the public. They are often the face of the organization and must be able to inspire and motivate others. The Head of role also requires strong communication skills, but their focus is more on internal communication within their department or division. They must be able to effectively convey information, delegate tasks, and provide feedback to their team members.

Salary

In terms of salary, EVPs typically earn more than Heads of departments or divisions. This is due to the higher level of responsibility and authority that comes with the EVP role. EVPs are often among the highest-paid executives in the company, reflecting their strategic importance to the organization. On the other hand, Heads of departments or divisions may still earn a competitive salary, but it is usually lower than that of an EVP due to the difference in scope and level of influence.

Conclusion

While both EVP and Head of positions are crucial to the success of an organization, they have distinct differences in terms of responsibilities, authority, experience, decision-making, communication, and salary. The EVP is typically more focused on strategic planning and decision-making for the entire organization, while the Head of role is more hands-on and operational in nature. Understanding these differences can help individuals determine which role aligns best with their skills and career goals.