The History of YPO As YPO enters its 55th year, our founder’s vision continues to propel us forward. Born in 1918, Ray Hickok earned an economics degree from Rollins College, took advanced business degrees from Harvard University and Northwestern University, and served in the United States Army for four years. He joined his father's company, Hickok Belts, after returning home in 1944. Following the elder Hickok’s death in 1945, the company’s board of directors voted Ray Hickok president and CEO at age 28. At that time, the U.S. business community included few young executives with such major responsibilities. Hickok faced unusual problems that older, more experienced presidents did not understand. He began meeting other young men in similar situations and conceived the idea of a membership organization for young CEOs. When Ray Hickok opened the first meeting of the Young Presidents’ Organization in 1950, not even he realized the effect YPO would have on the world of business. By sharing their experiences, those first 20 young presidents helped one another cope with the unusual pressures and pleasures of early success. Hickok’s brilliantly simple concept has proven to be just what the business world needed. Today, celebrating more than 50 years of worldwide non-profit executive education, YPO serves a global community of 8600 corporate presidents, representing more than 165 chapters in 75 countries. The organisations’ original purpose - to help it’s members become better presidents through education and idea exchange - continues through an international curriculum designed to improve executive skills and expose members to business, geopolitical, cultural and personal issues that affect their lives and livelihood.

The History of YPO As YPO enters its 54th year, our founder’s vision continues to propel us forward. Born in 1918, Ray Hickok earned an economics degree from Rollins College, took advanced business degrees from Harvard University and Northwestern University, and served in the United States Army for four years. He joined his father's company, Hickok Belts, after returning home in 1944. Following the elder Hickok’s death in 1945, the company’s board of directors voted Ray Hickok president and CEO at age 28. At that time, the U.S. business community included few young executives with such major responsibilities. Hickok faced unusual problems that older, more experienced presidents did not understand. He began meeting other young men in similar situations and conceived the idea of a membership organization for young CEOs. When Ray Hickok opened the first meeting of the Young Presidents’ Organization in 1950, not even he realized the effect YPO would have on the world of business. By sharing their experiences, those first 20 young presidents helped one another cope with the unusual pressures and pleasures of early success. Hickok’s brilliantly simple concept has proven to be just what the business world needed. Today, celebrating more than 50 years of worldwide non-profit executive education, YPO serves a global community of 8600 corporate presidents, representing more than 165 chapters in 75 countries. The organisations’ original purpose - to help it’s members become better presidents through education and idea exchange - continues through an international curriculum designed to improve executive skills and expose members to business, geopolitical, cultural and personal issues that affect their lives and livelihood.

Core Values Continual education improves leaders. The member is the driving force of the organization, and the chapter is the basic operating unit of the organization. Individuals are all of equal standing, because each member is president of his or her organization. Relationships of trust require respect for the privacy, integrity and confidentiality of the individual, the organization and its activities. Sharing experiences, developing friendships and providing mutual support increase our knowledge and wisdom and broaden our opportunities. Family participation in YPO activities enhances the growth and development of all involved. Care and sensitivity in the selection and develop ment of members will preserve the values and quality of this organization as it grows. YPO and its activities will be characterized by excellence, quality and uniqueness. A supportive and respectful relationship between members and staff will achieve organizational excellence through a creative working environment.