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Also known as: AE, sales rep, closer

Account Executive

ConceptualRolesSales

Definition

Account Executive: An Account Executive (AE) owns the sales process from qualified opportunity to closed deal. AEs run demos, manage relationships, negotiate contracts, and close revenue. They're measured on quota attainment—revenue from new business. AE is typically the primary revenue-generating sales role.

Example Usage

Our AEs close deals from $10K to $100K ARR. Each carries a $600K annual quota with average deal cycles of 45 days.

Common Misconceptions

AEs should also prospect. Splitting prospecting and closing via SDR/AE specialization typically performs better.
Best individual contributor becomes AE. Sales skills differ; some great SDRs don't become great closers.
AEs just need leads. Great AEs create their own opportunities through referrals, upsells, and relationship building.

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