Executive editor and Editor in chief

Editor in chief and executive editor are semantically related In some cases you can use "Editor in chief" instead a noun phrase "Executive editor".

Editor in chief noun - A person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine).

Executive editor and editor in chief are semantically related in person in charge of the editorial staff topic. You can use "Executive editor" instead a noun phrase "Editor in chief".