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How to Say "executive" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “executive” is “gerente” — use 'gerente' for a senior position, particularly in business, often equivalent to a manager or director responsible for a specific department or area.

English → Spanish

gerente

he-RÉHN-tehxeˈɾente

nounB1general
Use 'gerente' for a senior position, particularly in business, often equivalent to a manager or director responsible for a specific department or area.
A friendly person wearing a neat business suit stands in a brightly lit, organized office, holding a clipboard and giving a positive thumbs-up gesture.

Examples

La gerente de ventas aprobó la nueva estrategia.

The sales manager approved the new strategy.

Necesitamos hablar con el gerente general sobre los resultados del proyecto.

We need to speak with the general manager about the project results.

El gerente del hotel resolvió el problema de inmediato.

The hotel manager solved the problem immediately.

Gender Flexibility

Though 'gerente' is listed as masculine, it can refer to a man (el gerente) or a woman (la gerente). The word itself stays the same, but the article ('el' or 'la') must match the person's gender.

Confusing with 'Jefe'

Mistake: “Usando 'jefe' para un alto ejecutivo.”

Correction: While a 'jefe' is a boss, a 'gerente' usually implies a higher, more specific administrative rank, like a department head or general manager. Use 'gerente' for formal titles.

directivo

dee-rek-TEE-bohdiɾekˈtiβo

nounB1formal
Use 'directivo' to refer to a person in a high-ranking management role within a company, often part of the board or senior leadership.
A person in a professional suit standing confidently at the head of a long wooden boardroom table.

Examples

El directivo anunció los nuevos planes de la empresa.

The executive announced the company's new plans.

Es un joven directivo con mucha ambición.

He is a young manager with a lot of ambition.

Los directivos de la aerolínea están negociando el contrato.

The airline's board members are negotiating the contract.

People words ending in -o

When this word ends in 'o', it specifically refers to a man. If you are talking about a woman in this role, change the 'o' to an 'a' (directiva).

Manager vs. Executive

Mistake: “Using 'director' for every boss.”

Correction: Use 'directivo' for high-level management or executives. 'Director' is often a more specific title, like a department head.

ejecutivo

eh-heh-koo-TEE-vohexe.kuˈti.βo

nounB2general
Use 'ejecutivo' when referring to a person who holds a management or administrative position in a company, especially one with significant decision-making power.
A colorful illustration of a hand pointing at a simplified blueprint or flow chart, demonstrating the action of carrying out a plan successfully.

Examples

El ejecutivo de la empresa dio una conferencia de prensa.

The company executive gave a press conference.

Necesitamos una decisión ejecutiva rápida para resolver el problema.

We need a quick executive decision to solve the problem.

El poder ejecutivo del gobierno es responsable de implementar las leyes.

The executive branch of the government is responsible for implementing the laws.

Ella es una ejecutiva muy talentosa en el sector bancario.

She is a very talented executive in the banking sector.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example: 'decisión ejecutiva' (f.) or 'poderes ejecutivos' (m. plural).

Feminine Form

The feminine version of this noun is 'la ejecutiva' (the female executive). Remember to change both the article (el/la) and the ending (-o/-a).

Placement

Mistake: “La ejecutiva decisión.”

Correction: La decisión ejecutiva. In Spanish, descriptive adjectives like this usually follow the noun.

ejecutivo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ejecutivo' as an adjective to describe something related to the implementation, carrying out, or management of plans and decisions.

Examples

Necesitamos una decisión ejecutiva rápida para resolver el problema.

We need a quick executive decision to solve the problem.

dirigente

dee-ree-hen-tehdiɾiˈxente

nounB1general
Use 'dirigente' for someone in a leadership or directing role, often implying authority, and commonly used for heads of organizations, unions, or political parties.
A person standing at the front of a group, pointing toward a clear path ahead.

Examples

La dirigente del sindicato convocó a una reunión.

The union leader called a meeting.

Los dirigentes del club están contentos con los resultados.

The club officials are happy with the results.

Es un joven dirigente con mucho futuro en la política.

He is a young leader with a great future in politics.

One ending for everyone

This word doesn't change its ending to 'a' for women. You simply change the 'el' to 'la' (el dirigente vs. la dirigente).

The '-nte' pattern

The ending '-nte' in Spanish is like adding '-er' in English. It describes the person doing the action (the one who directs).

Avoid 'dirigenta'

Mistake: “La dirigenta del grupo.”

Correction: La dirigente del grupo. While 'dirigenta' exists in some very informal regional speech, 'la dirigente' is the standard and most accepted form.

Choosing Between 'Ejecutivo' and 'Directivo'

Learners often confuse 'ejecutivo' and 'directivo' when referring to a person. While both are high-level, 'directivo' often implies a more formal, board-level position, whereas 'ejecutivo' can be broader, covering general management and decision-making roles.

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