American Express CEO Ken Chenault
American Express CEO Ken Chenault

Stepping down after 37 years at American Express, CEO Ken Chenault was one of just four African-Americans running a Fortune 500 company. A rock star to the green card faithful, Chenault was a preternaturally calm leader during turbulent times for the financial services firm, from the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan to the 2008 recession. He talked with CBS News Special Correspondent James Brown about his tenure, and his future.
Read the full article on CBS Money
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate, with key claims about Chenault's tenure and role at American Express supported by multiple sources. The "rock star to the green card faithful" statement introduces a slight bias, as it's a subjective characterization. The claim about being one of four African-American Fortune 500 CEOs is not directly verified by the provided sources, but is plausible.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Stepping down after 37 years at American Express, CEO Ken Chenault.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the 37-year tenure at American Express.
- Verification Source #1: Supports his role as CEO of American Express.
- Claim:** ...was one of just four African-Americans running a Fortune 500 company.
- No provided source directly verifies this claim.* This requires external knowledge or further research beyond the provided sources. While plausible, it remains unverified within the provided context.
- Claim:** A rock star to the green card faithful...
- No provided source covers this claim.* This is a subjective characterization and introduces potential bias.
- Claim:** ...a preternaturally calm leader during turbulent times for the financial services firm, from the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan to the 2008 recession.
- Verification Source #2: Implies leadership during turbulent times by stating his tenure as CEO from 2001 to 2018, which encompasses these events.
- Claim:** He talked with CBS News Special Correspondent James Brown about his tenure, and his future.
- This is a statement about the video itself and is assumed to be accurate.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** Verification Source #2 and Verification Source #1 both confirm Chenault's role as CEO of American Express and his long tenure.
- Lack of Coverage:** The claim about being one of four African-American Fortune 500 CEOs is not covered by any of the provided sources. The "rock star" claim is also not covered.
- Potential Bias:** The phrase "rock star to the green card faithful" is subjective and could be interpreted as biased, presenting a positive, potentially exaggerated view.