The CEO Reputation Matters

The past several years have not been easy for big business and its leaders: CEOs.

Research has found that respect for corporate leaders and large multinationals has declined.

Between the global financial crisis, spread of worldwide protest movements such as Occupy, backlash against executive compensation, and even employee revolts, CEOs have faced threats both for their reputation and for the companies they run.

And yet, there are plenty of researches emphasizing that CEO reputation is a fundamental driver of corporate reputation, and is unwavering in its contribution to market value.

Executives strongly believe that nearly one half of a company's market value is attributable to its CEO.

CEO reputation continues to be a premium form of currency and wealth in an economy where companies trade on their reputations every day. As Michael Fertik says, "Reputation is the new oil”.

What has changed, however, is the landscape, the growing complexity of the global stakeholder audience along with a rapidly evolving media environment. These new factors make it harder than ever for companies to get heard beyond a whisper, leave a lasting impression, and figure out who holds the key to influence.

When it comes to shaping CEO and corporate reputation today, it is not just the usual suspects - investors, financial analysts, business media, regulators whose perceptions matter most- pretty much everyone matters now!