Gov. Code, § 19889

It is the purpose of this article to encourage the development and effective use of well-qualified and carefully selected executives. In order to carry out this purpose, the State Personnel Board shall establish by rule a merit system specifically suited to the selection and placement of executive personnel. The department shall be responsible for salary administration, position classification, and for the motivation and training of executive personnel. For the purpose of administering this system there is established herewith a category of civil service appointment called “career executive assignments.” The department shall designate positions of a high administrative and policy influencing character for inclusion in or removal from this category subject to review by the State Personnel Board, except that the department shall not so designate a position in which there is an incumbent already appointed under the provisions of this part governing employees other than career executives.