Leading the Way: 5 Fortune 500 CEOs Who Are Military Veterans
Some of the most well-known names in business today are veterans who found success both on and off the battlefields. These leaders of Fortune 500 companies serve as great examples that, no matter what stage of life you’re in, you can find opportunity for yourself and make an impact on the world around you. Here are the top five Fortune 500 CEOs who are military veterans, leading by example and showing others that success is possible in any field, at any time.
Alex Gorsky, Johnson & Johnson (Chairman and CEO)
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Alex Gorsky has been with Johnson & Johnson since 1988, serving in a variety of executive roles before being named Chairman and CEO in 2012. Gorsky is a firm believer in the power of diversity, and under his leadership, Johnson & Johnson has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere eight times.
Frederick W. Smith, FedEx (CEO)
FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. After the war, he founded FedEx, and the company has since become a global leader in package delivery, with Smith at the helm for more than four decades. He is credited with turning around the company when it was struggling in the early 1990s, and has been lauded for his strategic vision and leadership.
Ken Hicks, Academy Sports (CEO)
Ken Hicks is a Vietnam War veteran and the Chairman and CEO of Academy Sports. He credits his success to his time in the military, where he learned the importance of strategy and planning. In an interview with Forbes, Hicks said, “The biggest thing I learned in the Army was how to think about strategy... It’s really important to have a plan.” Hicks has used these skills to grow Academy Sports into one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the country.
Lowell C. McAdam, Verizon (Former CEO)
Before becoming CEO of Verizon, Lowell C. McAdam served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. After his service, he worked his way up through the ranks of AT&T, eventually becoming CEO of Verizon in 2011. Under his leadership as CEO, Verizon took over complete ownership of Verizon Wireless by purchasing Vodafone’s 45% stake in the company, positioning Verizon for a new phase of wireless growth. He also led the company’s push into growth markets in the Internet of Things and digital media.
Scott Wine, CNH Industrial (CEO)
Scott Wine is the CEO of CNH Industrial, a leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer. He is also a military veteran, having graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Wine’s military experience has helped him become a successful leader at CNH Industrial, and he is now one of the top Fortune 500 leaders who are military veterans.
Are you interested in transitioning your skills forged in the military into actionable steps as a business leader? DVG works with talented military veterans to find, acquire, and grow small businesses. Contact us to learn more about our available opportunities and network here.