This study analyses the association between CEO characteristics and financial performance as well as the role that a firm’s governance system may play in enhancing financial performance in the Jordanian context. To achieve this purpose, 2251 firm-year observations were collected from firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2009-2022. Overall, the results show that there is a positive and significant association between CEO tenure and firm performance. The results also show that the CEO compensation is positively linked with firm performance. However, CEO age and ownership are found to be insignificantly associated with firm performances. Regarding the moderating role of governance quality, the result shows a positive and highly significant impact on CEO tenure and CEO age. Otherwise, whether the quality of governance is high or low, it does not affect the CEO’s compensation and ownership. This study recommends firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange changing their policy regarding CEO compensation by, for example, including stock options to enhance firm performances.