A
chairman is the presiding officer of a meeting, organization or committee. It is his or her responsibility to outline the agenda of the group, and ensure that everyone operates in an efficient manner. He or she may also be entrusted with various other
executive powers. In order to avoid sexist assumptions, the position is nowadays more often called
chairperson or simply the
chair. Alternatively, the title of "chairwoman" may be used if the incumbent is female.
In China the title of "Chairman" is often used interchangably with that of president. (ex: Chairman Mao)