An executor (not executive) is the person who has the authority to administer the decedent's estate. He/She is appointed by a court with probate jurisdiction. He/She is usually appointed in the decedent's Will.
Note: There are comments associated with this question. See the
discussion page
to add to the conversation.
As a paralegal, I have used the website www.findlaw.com on many occasions and it has been very helpful. You may want to take a look there first, because the website is very easy to use and you can...
Yes, there can be more than one executive. It adds to the complexity of the administration. But it can also serve to insure that the estate is settled correctly and without bias.
The court will appoint an executor. If there are no children or relatives that wish to take on the job, the court will typically assign an attorney or bank to do the job.