Jack Welch

Called "the Tiger Woods of management" by Warren Buffet

Jack Welch is the most admired CEO in the world. During his 20 years as Chairman and CEO of General Electric, he transformed the company from a bureaucratic behemoth to a dynamic and revered powerhouse. During his tenure, GE market value grew from $13 billion to $500 billion. In the process, Welch’s management innovations have made him the most influential CEO of his era. In September 2001, Jack Welch retired from GE.

Welch is the author (with John A. Byrne) of JACK: Straight from the Gut, which provides an intimate glimpse into his life and management concepts. In his presentations, Jack Welch provides an insightful perspective on leadership, management and the current state of business. With his trademark candor, he discusses his management styles and theories that have made him the world’s most admired CEO.

Mr. Welch was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1936. He received his B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1957 and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1960.

In 1960, Mr. Welch joined GE as a chemical engineer for its Plastics division in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He was elected the company's youngest Vice President in 1972 and was named Vice Chairman in 1979. In December 1980 it was announced that he would succeed Reginald H. Jones and in April 1981 he became the eighth Chairman and CEO in the Company's 121-year history. Mr. Welch retired as Chairman and CEO of General Electric in September 2001.

In addition to his new role as author, Mr. Welch serves as a consultant to a small group of Fortune 500 business CEOs and is now in great demand by decision makers from around the globe at major conferences. A highly astute and experienced communicator Jack Welch’s presentations bring a host of ideas and benefits to corporate clients making him the most sought after speaker of recent times.