Executive Assistant vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Consultant

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Strategic and operational advisor, focusing on portfolio management

Consultant: Provides expert advice and solutions in a specific domain

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Reports to HoldCo executive, possibly CEO or board

Consultant: Typically reports to a project manager or client lead

Scope of Responsibilities:

Executive Assistant: Focused on day-to-day tasks and administrative duties

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Overseeing operations and strategy across the portfolio of companies

Consultant: Focuses on analyzing, advising, and strategizing for clients

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Considerable, influencing decisions across the portfolio

Consultant: High-level decision-making in their area of expertise

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in strategic planning for the holding company and its entities

Consultant: Integral in developing strategies and solutions for clients

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Coordinates across various management teams within the portfolio

Consultant: Often works independently or collaborates with client teams

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in high-level meetings, providing insights and alignment

Consultant: Participates in client meetings to provide insights and advice

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Oversees projects that affect multiple companies within the portfolio

Consultant: May manage or oversee specific initiatives or projects for clients

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Facilitates communication across the portfolio and with external stakeholders

Consultant: Communicates effectively with clients and stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Develops expertise in portfolio management and strategic oversight

Consultant: Continuously develops expertise and knowledge in their field