Top 10 CEOs: Where They Studied

Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute), Stanford Graduate School of Business

Studied: Electrical Engineering (BS), MBA

Mary Barra has been the CEO of General Motors (GM) since January 2014. Born on December 24, 1961, in Waterford, Michigan, Barra earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) in 1985, followed by an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1990.

With a career spanning over four decades at GM, Barra began as a co-op student in 1980 and assumed various roles, including Vice President of Global Manufacturing Engineering, Global Human Resources, and Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain.

Under Barra’s leadership, GM prioritized innovation and sustainability. She was instrumental in the company’s recovery after the 2008 financial crisis and its transition to electric and autonomous vehicles. Recognized for her achievements, she’s been named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business multiple times.

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (India), Stanford University

Studied: Metallurgical Engineering (BS), Material Sciences and Engineering (MS)

Sundar Pichai is an Indian-American business executive currently serving as Alphabet Inc.’s CEO, Google’s parent company. Born on July 12, 1972, in Chennai, India, Pichai completed his education at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, earning a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering. He then pursued higher studies at Stanford University, obtaining a master’s degree in material sciences and engineering.

Pichai joined Google in 2004 and played a pivotal role in developing various products and services, including Google Chrome, Chrome OS, and Android. His leadership skills and contributions led to his appointment as the CEO of Google in 2015. Under his guidance, Google has expanded its reach into various domains, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and hardware development.

Pichai’s achievements include overseeing the successful launch of several innovative products like Google Assistant and Google Home. He has also been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and revenue through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Pichai’s leadership has been recognized globally, earning him accolades, such as being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Studied: Industrial Design (BFA)

Brian Chesky, Airbnb, Inc.’s co-founder and CEO, leads the renowned online lodging and vacation rental marketplace. Born on August 29, 1981, in Niskayuna, New York, Chesky pursued industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Chesky’s accomplishments encompass elevating Airbnb from a small startup to a global hospitality giant. His leadership reshaped travel by enabling individuals to rent out their spaces to travelers, challenging traditional hotels. This innovative approach under Chesky’s guidance disrupted the industry and created fresh opportunities for hosts and guests worldwide.

Bowdoin College, Stanford University

Studied: Mathematics (BS), Computer Science (MS)

Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-founder and CEO, spearheads the revolutionary streaming platform that reshaped entertainment consumption. Born on October 8, 1960, in Boston, Massachusetts, Hastings attended Bowdoin College, earning a mathematics bachelor’s degree. He further pursued graduate studies at Stanford University, obtaining a master’s degree in computer science.

Hastings’ accomplishments encompass elevating Netflix from a DVD-by-mail rental service to a global streaming powerhouse. His leadership fostered original content production expansion, solidifying Netflix’s stature in the entertainment industry. Hastings played a pivotal role in crafting the recommendation algorithm, enhancing personalized user experiences, and contributing to its success.

Browning School, Tufts University, Harvard Business School

Studied: Psychology (BA), Economics (BA), MBA

Jamie Dimon serves as the CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a powerhouse in global finance. Born on March 13, 1956, in New York City, Dimon studied at Browning School and Tufts University, graduating with Bachelor of Arts in psychology and economics. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.

Dimon’s career is studded with achievements. He joined JPMorgan Chase in 2004 and adeptly steered the bank through the 2008 global financial crisis, earning accolades for his leadership. His guidance has consistently positioned JPMorgan Chase as a global banking leader in assets and market capitalization. Moreover, Dimon’s role in expanding the bank’s global presence and diversifying its business lines is noteworthy.