What does it take to become an executive at a high-tech company?

You need to have years of experience, a good reputation and track record  for fulfilling the duties of the open position, then you need to apply (or most likely) be approached and given an offer. 
Last, you need to accept the offer. 

Most major executive positions in companies are either assumed by existing, trusted employees who meet the criteria above and know the inner workings of the business.  Otherwise specific individuals who are desirable, are hunted down and offered palatable incentives.  So, you will need to be what they want, a big name with a big reputation and you will need to be approachable and available.

If you are fresh out of college, you will need build your experience and reputation for getting results. This can be done in the desired company starting from an entry level position, or in another competitive company in the same or similar market.

Not a graduate?  Not interested in building a reputation and getting noticed?
Start your own company. Be the executive from the start. Make the company.  Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook were all started this way.

Steve, Larry, Bill, and Mark all started with an idea and made them a reality.