The rise of the American corporate gerontocracy

The article discusses the increasing concentration of power among older executives in American corporations, a trend termed the 'corporate gerontocracy.' It highlights how aging leadership impacts decision-making, innovation, and corporate governance. The piece notes that the average age of CEOs in S&P 500 companies has risen, with many leaders staying past traditional retirement age. This shift is attributed to factors such as longer life expectancy, changes in retirement norms, and the accumulation of wealth and influence. The article also examines potential drawbacks, including resistance to change and lack of diversity in leadership. It references data from the Financial Times and other sources to support its analysis, though specific names, dates, and institutions are not provided in the available content.