Before Ken Lewis was CEO he worked as a credit analyst for Bank of America for 37 years. He was named President of the company in 1999, then CEO in 2001. During his current term as CEO he directed the company to purchase MBNA, making it the largest credit card issuer in the US, and Bank of America also became the nations largest consumer bank. Lewis has a strong sense of organizational commitment, stating, “not only do I want Bank of America to be the biggest and the best, but not just the best bank but the best company in the world.” This attitude to go above and beyond is important in order for Bank of America to grow and be the best it possibly can. Ken Lewis is described as “tough, no nonsense, and no excuse” leader pushing his employees to maximize their creativity and abilities as a learning organization. He possesses many of the personality traits of a successful CEO; setting high standards for himself showing his high self esteem and need for achievement. His ability to the lead the company for expansion and growth into new markets shows that he is using a corporate-level strategy leading the company to become a global organization.
Bank of America has set goals to continue to compete with competitors and become a global organization. Setting these goals show that BOA is aware of their task environment and the competitors that lie within it. Lewis has purchased over a quarter of a Mexican bank with expectations to strengthen relationships with the Hispanic market. Also they purchased 10% of a construction company in China. Expanding their operation
Citations: * Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2011). Essentials of contemporary management. (4th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. * "Destination CEO Video Series." Business Week TV. Web. 17 Oct. 2011. <http://www.mhhe.com/business/management/videos/DestinationCEO/BankOfAmericaCEO.html>.