fi
gure
head
Plural
figureheads
1
figure on the bow of some sailing vessels
2
someone who seemingly has the position of a leader but not the power and authority that comes with it
- The company’s CEO was merely a figurehead, with the real decisions being made by the board of directors.
- She was chosen as a figurehead for the charity, though the executive director handled all major decisions.
- The celebrity was a figurehead for the fashion brand, though the creative team managed all the designs.
- The board appointed a new figurehead to increase the company’s public profile, though the real leadership remained unchanged.
- The general was seen as a figurehead during the military campaign, while his advisers controlled the strategy.