The Chief Executives’ Club Members’ Networking Breakfast |
Monday, 6 October | Exclusive to CEC Members

Start your morning with bold ideas and brilliant company at our newly launched CEC networking breakfast - Ideas for Breakfast. This isn’t just coffee and croissants; it’s a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Michael Aldous and Professor John D. Turner from Queen’s Business School, authors of The CEO: The Rise and Fall of Britain's Captains of Industry. They’ll be sharing key findings from their latest publication - expect thought-provoking perspectives on leadership, legacy, and the evolution of British industry.

Described by the Financial Times as “lifting the veil on Britain's corporate elite”, Aldous and Turner’s book explains the evolution of the British CEO and unpacks the lack of diversity present in the CEOs of the FTSE 100.

Whether you're curious about the history of corporate power or simply keen to connect with fellow members, this is a morning not to miss - and a copy of the book to take home.

Why attend?

🍳 Enjoy a relaxed morning of networking with fellow CEC members

📚 Hear directly from the authors about Britain’s business leadership

💡 Discover how CEO pay, social mobility, and diversity (or lack thereof) impact our economy

🎁 Take home your own copy of The CEO

Whether you're a seasoned executive or simply curious about the stories behind the boardroom doors, this breakfast promises to be a thought-provoking start to your day.

About the Book

The CEOs of Britain's largest companies wield immense power, but we know very little about them. How did they get to the top? Why do they have so much power? Are they really worth that exorbitant salary? Michael Aldous and John Turner provide the answers by telling the story of the British CEO over the past century. From gentleman amateurs to professional managers, entrepreneurs, frauds, and fat cats, they reveal the characters who have made it to the top of the corporate ladder, how they got there, and what their rise tells us about British society. They show how the quality of their leadership influences productivity, innovation, economic development and, ultimately, Britain's place in the world. More recently, issues have arisen regarding high CEO pay, poor performance, and a lack of professionalisation and diversity. Are there lessons from history for those who would seek to reform Britain's flagging corporate economy?

Reviews of the Book

'A rich history of British Chief Executives' The Sunday Times

'fascinating, thought-provoking' Matthew Bishop, The Observer

'a rollicking tale of Britain's most famous bosses' Harry Wallop, The Times

'lifting the veil on Britain's corporate elite … colourful tales of heroes, villains, succession struggles & salaries' Financial Times

About the Speakers

Dr Michael Aldous

Senior Lecturer, International Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing (IBEM)
Michael is a business historian whose research addresses the ownership and organisation of firms. His research has examined how firms involved in international trade shaped processes of globalisation. Currently, he is investigating British CEOs, examining who gets to the top of the corporate ladder and how they impact firm performance. He teaches strategic management at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive levels.

Professor John D Turner
John is a financial economist and historian. His research addresses questions in the fields of economic history, business history and financial history. He is interested in financial bubbles, financial crises, banking, corporate governance and regional productivity. He teaches corporate finance at undergraduate level.