zǒngcái
Also written: zongcai; company president; chief executive; CEO
A senior executive title commonly translated as company president, chief executive, or CEO, depending on the organization.
Literal meaning
chief decision-maker or president
Cultural context
Zǒngcái is a real organizational title, but modern romance fiction has also made the wealthy, powerful company president a recognizable character type—especially in the phrase 霸道总裁, domineering CEO.
How dramas use it
Workplace and romance dramas use zǒngcái for the person with authority over major company decisions, hiring, strategy, succession, and the corporate conflicts surrounding the lead characters.
Usage & formality
Do not automatically translate every zǒngcái as CEO; corporate structures differ. President or chief executive may fit better depending on the company.