Since the military produces many leaders, it’s no wonder that many go on to work in business. That number, however, is dropping rapidly.
Here’s a list of 10 Fortune 500 CEOs who have served in the military (in order of Fortune 500 ranking from highest to lowest):
So how does military service translate into better serving of shareholders from the C-suite? In the stereotypical view of military life, a few people at the top give commands, and everyone down the line salutes and does what he or she is told. But if that picture was ever true it is certainly not true anymore.
The number of CEOs with military experience has drastically decreased over the last 30 years, according to an article by Slate. In the 1980s, 60 percent of CEOs had military experience; that number has plummeted to 8 percent now. And that drop off in military-turned-business leaders is important, because studies show CEOs who have military experience are 60 percent less likely to commit fraud than other CEOs. And these military CEOs lead their companies more successfully through economic downturns than other CEOs.
Military CEOs tend to bring important ethical principles to the C-suite that other CEOs lack. What will happen if the number of military CEOs continues to drop even further?
Read: 10 Fortune 500 Military CEOs
Read: Captains of Industry: Are CEOs who served in the military more trustworthy?
Read: Military CEOs
Read: Military CEOs
Read: CEOs with Military Experience Outperform S&P 500 Index
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
