Blog: Claudia Imhoff

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Imperial CEOs... Are they long for the world?

Walt Disney, AIG, and Hewlett-Packard – what do these massive companies all have in common? They have all dumped their “Imperial” corporate leaders recently. So what about other “Titan” CEOs? How do they rank on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most vulnerable) and who on this list is likely to be bounced?

The Wall Street Journal (March 16, 2005 edition) defines the Imperial corporate leaders as powerful decision-makers, risk-takers or strong leaders who have come to personify their companies – for good or ill. They earn this moniker through their staying power, unbelievable records, or through their relentless public relations departments who make them seem bigger than life… Some of them even earn jail sentences from their company’s illegal activities like CEO Bernie Ebbers of WorldCom.

The Journal suggests that the list of these Imperials could include Bill Gates (though he is no longer the CEO for Microsoft), Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple and Pixar) and Martha Stewart, recently returned from “exile”. Apparently these titans rank low on the scale of vulnerability -- they aren't going anywhere. Here are some others they ranked:

Larry Ellison – Oracle’s CEO. His company is cash rich and over the last 15 years, the stock has appreciated over 1900%. His vulnerability number? A mere 1 out of 10, despite his yachts, reputed playboy persona, and arrogant attitude. The past five years have not been kind to Oracle’s stock but apparently Mr. Ellison is in no danger of losing his job.

Rupert Murdoch – News Corp.’s CEO. According the WSJ, he tends to employee family members and hopes to eventually turn the company over to his sons. His number is 2 because John Malone has increased his stake in News Corp to 18% rivaling Mr. Murdoch’s family stake of 29.5%.

Finally Warren Buffett – CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. He packs his board with his buddies (including Bill Gates) to make sure he gets what he wants. His vulnerability on a scale of 1 to 10? Well, the WSJ apparently likes Mr. Buffett and gives him a 0! Guess he will be around for a while.

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