10 Things You Didn’t Know about American Express CEO Stephen Squeri
Have you ever heard of the name Stephen Squeri? You may not be immediately familiar with the name, but you are no doubt very familiar with the company he is President and Chief Executive Officer of, American Express. You might even have an American Express card in your own wallet. Even for those who don’t have a card of their own, it’s usually considered something of a rite of passage to qualify for one. If you’re curious about the man who is essentially in charge of one of the most influential companies that’s ever existed, keep reading to find out 10 things about him.
1. He’s relatively new to this job
He just accepted the position of CEO in January of 2018 so it’s clear that he hasn’t been doing this particular job for all that long. That being said, he’s certainly no stranger to the world of finance, nor is he a stranger to American Express itself.
2. He moved up from his old position
As a matter of fact, he spent a number of years working as the company’s vice chairman. Even before that, he help yet another managerial position within the same company. This has provided him a strong foundation from which to build, and he’s proven that he knows how to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
3. He attended Manhattan College
In 1981 he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and then followed that up in 1986 with an MBA, all from the same university.
4. He has a past history of working with the best firms
Before he started working for American Express, he worked as a consultant for Arthur Andersen. He actually spent four years there learning the ropes of the finance world before he started working for American Express.
5. He sits on several Boards
Clearly, he prefers to stay busy. As such, he serves on Boards for Guardian Life Insurance, J. Crew and the Valerie Fund. It’s hard to imagine when he finds the time, but he doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.
6. He remains involved with education, even today
He also knows how important education is, and he works to actively support it in any way he can. To this day, Manhattan College remains very important to him. He gives back by serving on the Board of Trustees at the college.
7. Many give him credit for taking American Express around the globe
As previously mentioned, he served with American Express long before he started working as the CEO there. When he was in one of his managerial positions, he made an effort to globalize the company. Many people who are in the know in the world of finance give him credit for transforming the company, changing it from something that was well known and respected in the United States to a company that was largely seen the same way all over the world.
8. He values more traditional work habits
He understands what it’s like to work hard and have total dedication to something. He’s also not the least bit afraid to go for something when he wants it. As a result, he has a number of successes to show for his efforts.
9. He’s passionate about his work
One of the reasons that he’s been able to stay the course for so many years is because he loves what he does. He believes that it’s always easier to make something work well when the person behind it is passionate about their work, so he has always followed his own passion when it comes to his professional career.
10. He also wants to help others succeed
While he’s been remarkably successful, he also realizes how challenging it can be to make it in today’s competitive world. Since people have a better chance at success when they’re prepared, he works hard to help young individuals realize how important education is, and then helps them find effective ways to access those opportunities that are available to them. He understands that if someone has the chance to make a good life for themselves, they are likely to do better in all areas of their lives.
