Kenneth Chenault

Kenneth Irvine Chenault (born June 2, 1951, ) has been the CEO and Chairman of American Express since 2001. He is the third African-American CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Early life, education, and legal career

Chenault grew up on Long Island, New York as the son of a dentist and dental hygienist. He attended the alternative Waldorf School of Garden City, Business Week Dec. 21, 1998 He then received B.A. in history from Bowdoin College in 1973, and juris doctor from Harvard Law School in 1976.

After Harvard, he worked as an associate at the law firm Rogers & Wells in New York City, and as a consultant for Bain & Company.

CEO of American Express

He joined American Express in 1981, working in the Strategic Planning Group. He became president and chief operating officer in 1997. He became CEO of American Express in 2001.

While CEO of American Express in 2007, Chenault earned a total compensation of $50,126,585, , Equilar ,......
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