View Photo GalleryWelcome to CEO+CEO: Perspectives on Excellence – a series of interviews that give you the opportunity to listen to James Gorman talk with some of the most influential leaders in business.
Our sixth installment of Perspectives on Excellence features Ken Chenault,
Chairman and CEO of American Express Company. Ken joined American Express
in 1981 and was named president of the U.S. division of American Express
Travel Related Services Company, Inc. in 1993, vice chairman of American
Express Company in 1995, president and chief operating officer in 1997 and
chairman and chief executive officer in 2001. Ken serves as a director of
International Business Machines Corporation and The Procter & Gamble
Company. Ken also is a member of The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation
and a trustee of the NYU Hospitals Center and the New York University School
of Medicine Foundation.
CEO+CEO: James Gorman + Ken Chenault
March 13, 2013
FEATURED TOPICS
Chenault reaches beyond the company’s iconic campaigns and advertising to delve into the substance of the American Express brand.
In order to be successful, businesses must align with common purposes. Chenault and Gorman share risks they’ve taken to focus and enhance their brands.
By staying in touch with the pulse of Silicon Valley and looking beyond the current environment, Chenault stays abreast of innovative ways to help meet customer needs.
During crises, Chenault sets objectives and gives hope to the organization by focusing on selective growth opportunities.
A daily routine that incorporates exercise and task lists helps Chenault remain focused, strong and prepared for challenges.
High on the list of qualities Chenault looks for in a leader: attributes of the American Express brand.
Q&A
Chenault talks about the company’s leadership training and development programs for non-profits, efforts to preserve cultural sites and employee volunteering. Gorman adds the importance of developing "majors" when it comes to determining charitable focus.
Chenault and Gorman give examples of how business adapts and changes as technology evolves.
American Express analyzes service interactions to consistently improve customer behavior, loyalty and spending.
Chenault and Gorman share characteristics they look for when building new relationships.