Within the executive management of companies the role of the CEO and CFO tend to get the most focus.And those positions are certainly vital.But in larger organizations, do you think it is realistic to have one of those positions also tasked with ensuring the company's ethics programs are followed and enforced and that the compliance program is properly managed?Probably not.And that is why we have seen a rise in the prominence of the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).Sometimes you may even see the role of compliance merged with the role of ethics monitoring since those two areas are so closely related.This role of Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CECO) is viewed by some as a critical function.

Indeed, "the CECO, as a driver of the C&E function, can be a vital factor in contributing to the effectiveness of such programs. In particular, the argument was made that a strong C&E program requires a CECO who is 'empowered and experienced,' independent, and who has a seat at the senior management table, in order to protect the organization and to lead the function effectively" (Greenberg, 2009, p. 9).

• What role might a CECO play in helping a company you are familiar with, or would like to be involved with, develop an effective ethics and compliance program?