Project executive

The business appoints the project executive as the single point of accountability for the project and is ultimately responsible for its success. This accountability cannot be delegated.

Context

The project executive is the most important member of the project board. There, they are supported by the senior user(s) and senior supplier(s) roles.

The most important relationship in the project is between the project executive and the project manager. This relationship is critical because the project executive provides the necessary strategic direction and ensures that the project aligns with business goals, while the project manager focuses on the day-to-day execution of the project. Regular communication, trust, and a shared vision between the project executive and project manager are key to addressing challenges and making informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

The project executive secures funding for the project and is responsible for the business case and its continued justification. They ensure the project is governed in alignment with the business strategy, considering long-term impacts such as environmental and social factors.

Combining with other roles

There can only be one project executive for a project, and this role cannot be combined with the project manager role. In organizations with job-sharing arrangements, the project executive role must still be clearly assigned to a single individual. If job-sharing is used, additional arrangements may be required to maintain clarity on accountability, and these should be reflected in the role description and project initiation documentation, which should be in line with business policies.

—o—

Written by Frank Turley.

If you have questions or doubts after using this wiki, you can ask for help on the Facebook or LinkedIn study groups.