Vacator

A vacator is an individual who holds or held a position temporarily vacated by another. This person steps in to fill a void, often due to absence, resignation, or other circumstances preventing the original occupant from fulfilling their duties. The vacator assumes the responsibilities and authorities associated with the role, serving as a caretaker until the permanent holder returns or a replacement is appointed. The role often implies a transitional period and can be formal or informal, depending on the context, and duration may be extended or be brief.

Vacator meaning with examples

• Following the CEO's sudden leave of absence, the CFO was appointed as a vacator, stepping into the top role to ensure business continuity. This decision demonstrated the company's quick thinking, minimizing any potential disruption during a critical time. This was a challenge but the CFO was ready.
• In the university's department head role, a senior professor acted as vacator while a search committee sought a permanent replacement. They maintained operations and implemented the university's new strategic plan. This role was important.
• The assistant manager served as the vacator for the store manager who was on maternity leave. They took on all the manager's responsibilities, including overseeing staff, handling customer issues, and ensuring the store met sales targets. This was new territory but fun for the assistant manager.
• Due to an illness, a lead editor had to take an extended leave. A junior editor volunteered as vacator, managing the project and keeping it on schedule. The junior editor stepped up.
• Upon the resignation of the president, the vice president took over as vacator. They called an emergency meeting and took appropriate steps to find a good replacement. This was not an easy time.