OUR HISTORY

From 1958In Focus

In 1958, H. Jack Dow had reached YPO’s age limit but not the end of his journey. He gathered peers in Chicago to envision a new space for discovery, connection, and community beyond YPO. That meeting led to the founding of what would become the Chief Executives Organization (CEO).

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIPA FUTURE OF LIFELONG Learning

From those humble beginnings—an informal gathering of leaders committed to staying connected—CEO has grown into the world’s most exclusive community of seasoned leaders. What began with a single meeting now spans the world with uncommon global connections forged through shared experiences in life, culture, and business.

pricelessUnderstanding

A passion for knowledge combined with unique access to global leaders, priceless insights into different cultures, and unforgettable experiences. The result: a true exchange of ideas withstanding the passing of time.

CONNECTION ATTHE CORE

Our earliest formal meetings in 1959 brought members together in Florida, Cleveland, and Chicago, followed by our first large-scale event in Arizona in 1960. Originally called “Forums,” these gatherings laid the foundation for what would become Global Events—immersive, global experiences that continue to unite our members in transformative ways.

IN CEO'sHEART

CEO was born from friendship, and that spirit of community still fuels us today.

SPARKING ENRICHINGCONVERSATIONS

Connection at CEO goes far beyond the more than 20 Global Events offered each year. We have evolved to include smaller-scale, highly curated experiences, both in-person and virtual, that create space for intimate dialogue and deep relationship-building. From local luncheons to digital MeetUps, members find space to come together with ease and intention.

Building BondsThat Endure

Our history is a living tapestry of friendship, curiosity, and shared adventure. From the creation of the “Friendship Club” in 1968 to today’s member-driven events and unique peer-to-peer assistance programs, every chapter in our story reinforces our belief: relationships matter. They are the currency of trust and the foundation of lifelong learning. That philosophy is embedded in our structure. With a membership by invitation only and capped at 2,000, CEO prioritizes quality, intimacy, and trust. It’s a model designed to ensure that members not only feel seen—but known.

AlwaysEvolving

To meet member appetite, we now offer exclusive collaborations with Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, curated experiences through our signature Global Leaders Forum, and member-led seminars that delve into real estate, finance, health and wellness, and technology. Wherever members are in their journey, we seek to enrich it.

Resilience withPurpose

Like any great organization, CEO has endured—and evolved. In 2017, we entered into a landmark cooperation agreement with YPO, reaffirming the deep connection between our two organizations.

In 2020, we proudly appointed our first female International Chair of the Board, a milestone that reflected both our history and forward momentum.

During the global pandemic, we flexed in real time—pivoting to digital learning, launching NextGen programming, and deepening our investment in local gatherings to bring the power of CEO closer to home. Through it all, we stay true to our mission to connect, inspire, and uplift each other.

SHARING LIFEMoments That Matter

Ask any CEO member what they treasure most, and you will hear stories—not just of extraordinary destinations or access, but of the people beside them along the way. It’s those unforgettable moments of connection and reflection that make CEO not just an organization, but a second chapter of life.

We believe the best experiences are shared. Whether it’s heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies, tiger-watching in India, or hearing a Nobel Laureate speak in a centuries-old library, CEO creates moments that fill both the head and the heart

LOOKING AHEADA Legacy That Lives

Almost seven decades after its founding, CEO remains steadfast in its commitment to thoughtful growth, bold curiosity, and trusted community. Led by a global membership and shaped by the values of humility, generosity, and connectedness, CEO is a place where leaders come not to impress—but to inspire and be inspired.

This is more than a membership. It’s a movement of leaders shaping the next great chapter—together.

Our History