mastermind

[ mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster- ]

/ ˈmæs tərˌmaɪnd, ˈmɑ stər- /

to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully: Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.

a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like: the masterminds of company policy.

Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Xeros was sentenced to six life sentences for his responsibility in masterminding the deaths of Americans, Britons and Greeks.

A Greek Fugitive Terrorist’s Call To Arms |Barbie Latza Nadeau |January 23, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The British military has been accused of masterminding a plot that killed Princess Diana.

A New Twist Emerges in Princess Diana’s Death |Nico Hines |August 17, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
But Weill put together this behemoth anyway and went about masterminding the repeal of Glass-Steagall, which happened in 1999.

Which Bank Is the Worst? |Gary Rivlin |October 25, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
Masterminding the perfect look for Hollywood celebrities comes at a price.

Stars Without Stylists |Linlee Allen |March 23, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

After years of delays, preliminary hearings began last September for the five men accused of masterminding the 9/11 attacks.

The Trouble with Closing Gitmo |Salameh Nematt |December 9, 2008 |DAILY BEAST

mastermind

/ (ˈmɑːstəˌmaɪnd) /

(tr) to plan and direct (a complex undertaking) he masterminded the robbery

a person of great intelligence or executive talent, esp one who directs an undertaking