American Express Company operates a selective unit that simultaneously offers consulting services and fosters rising managers for its business units.

Reporting directly to chief executive Harvey Golub, the Strategic Planning Group is staffed by thirty professionals who advise operating presidents on issues ranging from the development of new products to the acquisition of strategic assets. At the same time, the group serves as a conduit for bringing seasoned talent into the company and preparing it for senior management.

The Strategic Planning Group recruits many of its people from outside consulting firms. They work for several years as internal consultants with Harvey Golub and other top executives on a variety of the firm's most challenging issues in the U.S. and abroad. By time they are moved into a top position, group members have acquired direct exposure to the diverse issues that top executives must tackle.

Among the veterans of this pipeline to American Express leadership are Rosa Sabater, who came from Booz Allen in 1994 and is now vice president for Small Business Services, and Kenneth Chenault, who came from Bain in 1989 and is now chief operating officer of American Express.

Information about the Strategic Planning Group is available from its director, Ruediger Adolf at Ruediger.Adolf@aexp.com.

From the Wharton Leadership Digest, October, 1998.