Celebrating The Achievements Of Ten Influential African American CEOs

These ten CEOs are at the top of their game. They’ve built impressive careers, made insane fortunes, and influenced their industries. They are also all African Americans, which is unfortunately still a rarity in corporate America. While white men have long dominated the corporate boardrooms of the U.S., we now live in a time when many different cultures, races, and genders are represented at the top of the corporate ladder. Thank God for that! What sets these CEOs apart from other lists of most successful CEOs—a list of the top female CEOs, for example—is the diversity of the paths each of these ten people took in order to achieve their wealth and success. So let’s take a look at ten of the most successful African American CEOs of all time.

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter

CEO, Roc Nation

Net worth: $560 million

Jay-Z isn’t just a rap and hip-hop artist; he’s also a very successful record producer and the CEO of Roc Nation. He also has a clothing line, which is common for hip-hop moguls. Every single album he’s ever released has gone platinum, showcasing his immense popularity. Beyond music, he has investments in various clothing and record companies, and he’s a co-owner of the 40/40 Clubs in New York City, Atlantic City, and Chicago. Jay-Z's journey from growing up poor in New York City to becoming a superstar worth over half a billion dollars is an inspiring success story. He is married to fellow artist Beyoncé, and he continues to dominate the hip-hop industry.

Kenneth Chenault

CEO, American Express

Net Worth: $90 million

Kenneth Chenault is celebrated as the third African American CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He earned his B.A. from Bowdoin College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. After practicing law for a few years, Chenault joined American Express in 1981 in the Strategic Planning Group. He climbed the ranks to become CEO in 2001, demonstrating that determination and skill can lead to remarkable success in the corporate world.

Sean "P Diddy" Combs

CEO, Bad Boy Entertainment

CEO, Sean John Clothing

Net Worth: $700 million

Known by many names like Puff Daddy and Diddy, Sean Combs is one of the wealthiest figures in hip-hop. He was born in 1969 in Harlem and started his career as a party promoter while studying at Howard University. Combs quickly rose through the music industry, managing and discovering major artists like Mary J. Blige and The Notorious B.I.G. He created his own label, Bad Boy Records, and launched a successful clothing line. His multifaceted career includes roles as a recording executive, producer, and actor, making him a prominent figure in entertainment.

Russell Simmons

CEO, Def Jam Records

Net Worth: $325 million

Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam, a hip-hop music label that played a crucial role in launching the genre. He was instrumental in bringing artists like LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys to the forefront of music in the 1980s. Simmons also founded clothing lines such as Phat Farm and Argyleculture. His influence in music and fashion has established him as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, with a net worth reflecting his success.

Aliko Dangote

CEO, Dangote Group

Net Worth: $21.6 billion

The only non-American on this list, Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian business magnate. He owns the Dangote Group, which operates extensively in the commodities field. His business ventures span across several African countries, contributing significantly to Nigeria's economic development. Forbes ranks him as the richest person in Africa and the 23rd richest person in the world, making him a powerful figure in global business.

Robert L. Johnson

Founder, former CEO, BET – Black Entertainment Television

Current CEO, RLJ

Net Worth: $550 million

Robert Johnson launched BET in 1980, marking a significant step in television history as the first network aimed at African Americans. He made headlines in 1991 when BET became the first African American-controlled company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. After selling BET to Viacom for $3 billion, Johnson continued to impact the entertainment world through various ventures, highlighting the importance of representation in media.

Ursula Burns

CEO, Xerox

Yearly Salary: $2,487,019

Ursula Burns is a remarkable success story, having risen from a challenging background to become the CEO of Xerox. She earned her engineering degrees from NYU and Columbia and joined Xerox as a summer intern. Through hard work, she climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Burns is recognized as one of the most powerful women globally, inspiring future generations.

Kenneth Frazier

CEO, Merck & Co., Inc.

Yearly Salary: $15 million

Kenneth Frazier made history as the first African American to lead a major pharmaceutical company. After earning his law degree from Harvard, he joined Merck as general counsel. Frazier is also known for his pro bono work, including playing a significant role in freeing a wrongly convicted man from death row. His leadership in the pharmaceutical industry is exemplary of how one can make a difference.

Junior Bridgeman

CEO, Bridgeman Foods Inc.

Net Worth: $400 million

Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman is a former NBA player who successfully transitioned into the business world. Recognizing the limited duration of his sports career, he invested in his favorite fast-food franchise, Wendy's. With over 160 Wendy's and 120 Chili’s franchises, Bridgeman Foods Inc. employs thousands and generates impressive annual revenues, showcasing the potential of athletes in business.

Oprah Winfrey

CEO, The Oprah Winfrey Network

Net Worth: $2.9 billion

Oprah Winfrey’s journey from being told she wasn’t fit for television to building a media empire is nothing short of inspirational. As a beloved talk show host, actress, and producer, she has influenced millions. Her net worth of $2.9 billion is a testament to her hard work and resilience. Oprah's impact on media and culture continues to resonate, encouraging others to follow their dreams.