WPO (World Presidents’ Organization) is a global organization of more than 4,600 business leaders who are or have been chief executive officers of major companies and who are “graduates” of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization). Spanning more than 70 countries, WPO members combine corporate responsibility and personal public service to make significant contributions in their communities. Today, their ranks include diplomats, senior elected officials, and appointed government officials at the international, national, regional and local levels. As lifetime leaders, WPO members recognize and act on their responsibility in the fields of corporate governance, public service and educational advancement. With an extensive offering of educational programs, networking opportunities and exclusive services, WPO is dedicated to meeting the needs of members and their families throughout every stage of life.
WPO creates an environment where the power of idea exchange enhances lives, enriches families and improves communities.
History – The Graduate Organization of YPO
For three decades, WPO has enriched the lives of world business leaders and sustained the exchange of ideas that began when they were members of YPO, an international organization of young business leaders who became chief executives before the age of 45. In 1970, 176 YPO graduates formed the World Business Council as a way to continue their YPO experience. In 1991, the organization changed its name to World Presidents' Organization. Today, there are more than 105 chapters around the world.
Mission of the World Presidents' Organization
WPO is dedicated to the mission it shares with YPO: "Better Leaders Through Education and Idea Exchange."
WPO provides YPO graduates with opportunities for continued learning and lifelong peer networking at the chapter, regional and international levels. With an extensive offering of educational programs, networking opportunities and exclusive services, WPO is dedicated to meeting the needs of members and their families throughout every stage of life. WPO members also have continued access YPO's network of young leaders and events, giving all members the opportunity to connect.
Member Profile
Every WPO member was first a YPO member. YPO requires its members to “graduate” from the organization at age 50, and WPO provides the next step in a lifelong leadership journey. The median age of WPO members is 55.
Chapters
Chapters are the fundamental unit of WPO, providing members with meaningful educational and networking opportunities with their peers. There are more than 100 WPO chapters located throughout the world that meet on a regular basis to discuss business, personal development and community issues
Education Programs and Events
WPO education programs are created with one goal — to provide members with practical information, relevant insights and experiential learning that will enhance their personal and professional lives and the lives of their family members.
Education begins at the chapter level, with member-elected chapter education officers who develop, customize and deliver “only-in-WPO” programs that tackle the specific issues leaders face in their various life stages. Education is designed to provide take-home value for the members, facilitate networking among the members and their families, and support the health and growth of the chapter.
Every aspect of WPO is shaped by education, from direct-to-member products and alliances to expert resources and exclusive events. WPO’s ever-expanding roster of events meets the diverse learning needs of WPO members and their families, including family Universities, conferences, executive education seminars, business and personal development, and more.
Member Benefits
Help When You Need It: In recognition of the organization’s global mission and the extensive travel that characterizes the lives of many members, WPO also offers customized travel services and access to the finest medical care and emergency services for members who are more than 100 miles away from home, no matter where in the world they may be. Members also have access to exclusive medical referral and health advisors, and can seek confidential advice on any topic from other members of WPO, YPO, EO and CEO.
Confidential Peer Support: Forum remains one of the most-valued assets of WPO membership. Forums are groups of eight to 10 members who meet as peers on a regular basis in an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality, and openness to share in each other’s business, family and personal experiences. In addition to chapter-based, regional and international Forums, there are Forums for spouses, young adult children of members and couples.
Enhanced Networking: Networks break away from geography and put a new spin on member networking, allowing WPOers and YPOers to interact globally through special business, personal and social enterprise networks. Members are able to connect through specific industries, business or personal interests, and social issues such as micro-lending and environmental preservation.
Contact YPO-WPO
YPO-WPO
600 East Las Colinas Boulevard
Suite 1000
Irving, TX 75039
USA
Telephone: 1.800.773.7976 or +1.972.587.1500
Fax: +1.972.587.1600
Send us an e-mail: info@wpo.org