The highest-ranking executive in a corporation. The chairman leads the board of directors in setting broad corporate goals and determining if managers are, in fact, pursuing and achieving those goals. In large corporations the chairman is not ordinarily involved in day-to-day operational activities, although it is likely that he or she was the chief executive officer before attaining the position of chairman. In some corporations, the chairman also serves as the president and the chief executive officer. Also called chairman of the board. See also director.