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?

‘This is a treasure of a book. It is outstandingly well researched, deeply insightful and beautifully written. It holds important lessons for anyone interested in the rise and decline of one of the world’s major industrialized nations in the 20th century.’

Colin Mayer - author of Capitalism and Crises: How to Fix Them

‘This is a fascinating journey through the history of the CEOs and iconic names of British business. The authors’ research shows that the strategic vision, emotional intelligence, long-term commitment and independence of thought that once characterised captains of industry are in short supply among today’s university-educated managers, explaining much about the decline of UK plc.’

Diane Coyle - author of The Measure of Progress

‘The CEO dives into history to reveal how Britain’s business leaders shaped - and sometimes stalled - economic progress. Aldous and Turner connect past and present, calling for new leadership pathways, stronger corporate governance, and robust market competition. An essential read for anyone invested in the future of Britain.’

Tom Nicholas - author of VC: An American History

‘Michael Aldous and John Turner skilfully combine statistics and typologies with emblematic business figures. A timely, lively and perceptive revisiting of the CEO and their controversial role in the successes and failures of the British economy in the last 120 years - with important lessons for both business and government.’

Youssef Cassis - author of Crises and Opportunities: The Shaping of Modern Finance