ALL ABOUT

MEMBERSHIP

GLOBAL. EXCLUSIVE. EXTRAORDINARY.

WE ARE CEO

Founded in 1958, CEO is an exclusive community of “leaders among leaders” who share a passion for lifelong discovery in intimate local gatherings and global events. With a strict global membership limit of 2,000, CEO extends invitations solely to seasoned business executives who have proven their exceptional leadership within YPO. Our members are industry leaders, board members of renowned organizations, and influential figures in government and non-profit sectors. Diverse and accomplished, CEO members embody excellence on a global level.

“The best people for CEO and the experiences are those who have similar values, similar humility in our successes, and those who just enjoy the company of good conversations on life and its journey. When we travel as a network of leaders, we want to spend time with those who both inspire us, humor us, and ultimately make for an entertaining trip.”

Dan Ariens
CEO Member, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Of Ariens Company

EXPERIENCE LIFELONG LEARNING,
FRIENDSHIP, AND ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

WORLD-CLASS
EDUCATION

Education and a philosophy of lifelong learning are a shared passion of CEO members. Get exclusive access to the world’s top thought leaders with learning tailored to you.

CULTURAL
IMMERSION

Each event at CEO is championed by a member, marshalling their unique networks, and special access to deliver unforgettable experiences that inspire, captivate, and deliver true insight into different cultures.

PURSUIT OF
HAPPINESS

CEO provides an environment where members and spouses can foster close relationships. Our intimate size builds an environment of camaraderie and trust—the perfect way to build community and lifelong friendships.

IDEA
EXCHANGE

The power of the CEO network brings extraordinary access to global thought leaders and stimulating learning opportunities, fostering thought-provoking conversations at every unique offering.

CEO AT A GLANCE
In a Year

25

MAJOR
EVENTS

90+

WEBCASTS

150+

LOCAL
EVENTS

285

EDUCATION
SESSIONS

YOU MOVED TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
NOW, FIND YOUR COMMUNITY.

Step into a world of enrichment with CEO—where life's essence and extraordinary experiences are center stage.

Being over 48, you are a titan of your industry with outstanding achievements. You moved to the next level of pursuits, now you are ready to join your peers in life-long learning and remarkable adventures. Backed by sponsorship from two current CEO members, you are the ideal candidate to join our exclusive circle and shape the future of leadership excellence.

JOIN THE POWER OF CEO

Unlock the power of our community
Learn about our membership criteria

GLOBAL INFLUENCERS. WORLD-WIDE CONNECTIONS.

CEO’s global membership includes some of the most recognized and influential names out there.

HENRIETTA
FORE

7th Executive Director
of UNICEF 

OMAR
MAANI

Founder and President
of Maani Ventures

MUKESH
AMBANI

Chairman & Managing Director,
Reliance Industries, Ltd.

TONY TAN
CAKTIONG 

Founder and chairman of Jollibee Foods Corporation, co-chairman of DoubleDragon Properties

BRIAN
WHITE

Chairman,
Ray White Group

HAMID
JAFAR

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Crescent Petroleum

WENDY
FISHER 

President Board of Trustees Guggenheim Foundation

NILS
ANDERSON

Chairman of
Unilever and ASML

EDUARDO
PACHECO 

Former President,
Colpatria Group

HON. EMANUEL
GONZALEZ-REVILLA

Panama Ambassador to
United States (2014-2019)

LEONARD
LAUDER 

Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc

SHAHID
KHAN 

Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Flex-N-Gate Corporation

“Joining CEO isn't just about entering a room of global leaders—it's about unlocking a world of wisdom and wonder. It’s where the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and shared adventures sparks not just professional growth, but lifelong friendships. CEO gives me the chance to discover, engage, and be inspired with peers who are as passionate about exploration as they are about excellence.”

Gail Warrior-Suchy 
CEO Member, and President and Chief Solution Officer of RESPR Technologies

FAQ

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP?

At CEO, we seek individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership and active engagement. We look for candidates who are intellectually curious, globally aware, and ready to contribute meaningfully to our community. To be considered, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • YPO Membership and Age: Candidates must be at least 48 years old and share the YPO DNA.
  • Successful Cultural Qualitative Assessment: Character and cultural fit are paramount. Nominees must demonstrate personal qualities such as friendliness, integrity, commitment, and active involvement.
  • Demonstrated Outstanding Leadership: Candidates should showcase exceptional leadership achievements and stature, such as holding international board or senior chapter positions within YPO/YPO Gold, significant recognition in the business industry as a CEO, managing director, chairman, owner, or equivalent, or prominent roles in major philanthropic, educational, or governmental institutions.
  • CEO Member Sponsorship: Successful candidates must secure sponsorship from two current CEO members who are familiar with their backgrounds.
  • Commitment to Engage: To maintain good standing, new members must actively participate in CEO’s programs within the first 24 months of membership.

If you meet these criteria and are ready to embark on a journey of leadership excellence with CEO, we welcome your application.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS FOR MEMBERSHIP WORK?

Wondering how the membership process works at CEO? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sponsorship: A candidate requires sponsorship from at least two current CEO members.

Step 2: Submission: Sponsors submit letters of support along with the candidate’s biography.

Step 3: Regional Peer Review: The candidate undergoes review by the Regional Committee, with a focus on cultural fit.

Step 4: Application: If the candidate is deemed suitable culturally, they’re invited to complete the application.

Step 5: Membership Committee Review: Candidate applications are reviewed quarterly by the Membership Committee.

Step 6: Board of Directors Review: Quarterly, the International Board of Directors conducts a final review of candidates.

This streamlined process ensures that every potential member is carefully considered and aligned with CEO’s values and community standards.

WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS?

Health and Well-being:

International SOS: Receive automatic enrollment for you and your spouse, providing access to a global network of 27 Assistance Centers for medical and security needs. Coverage includes 24/7 access to a medical professional in 90+ languages, white glove medical logistics support, and emergency evacuation/triage when needed.

Healthnetwork Foundation: Gain insider access to top medical practitioners and facilities through our partnership with the Healthnetwork Foundation.

Personal Assistance:

CEO Critical: Access a database of member connections for support in times of dire need. Wherever you find yourself in need, CEO Critical can help.

Concierge Experience: Benefit from dedicated assistance to engage with CEO, access resources, and connect with members.

Private Jet Services: Enjoy customized private aviation solutions for professional and personal travel needs, with priority access and discounts for CEO members and spouses.

Community Engagement:

Couples Forum: Engage in trust-based discussions and experiences with other couples within CEO.

Women’s Forum: Connect with intimate groups of female members to share business, family, and personal experiences.

NextGen: Empower the next generation of leaders through exclusive opportunities for member children and grandchildren.

Surviving Spouse Program: Access full membership benefits for the spouse of a deceased member.

Networking and Connection:

CEO Connections: Participate in peer networking opportunities through Meetups and One2Ones.

Member and Spouse Book Clubs: Join fellow CEO members in engaging book discussions.

 

These benefits are designed to enhance your experience as a CEO member and provide valuable support across various aspects of your life.

 

“Our first CEO trip was an eye-opener, and we had no idea what to expect. It exceeded all expectations, setting the bar so high that the thought of traveling without CEO again seems unimaginable! We deeply value the new friendships we’ve formed and eagerly anticipate our next adventure together on a CEO trip - or perhaps even sooner!” 

- Eva and Allen Lau