Can a foreigner be a CEO of an American corporation?

I don’t see any reason why not.

China owns FAR more American businesses, than most people think.

Ask Elon

Sure. Tons of companies: Microsoft, Google, AMD, among big ones.

Of course.

Update I thought that to work in the US that I need a work permit?

Yes, @RedDeerGuy1 but there are tons of exceptions to the rule. And non-citizens can qualify for green cards in a zillion ways. Don’t worry about them. A good lawyer and a lot of cash go a long way.

^Ain’t that the truth….