Organization Announcement: American Express

The following announcement was sent to American Express employees from Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:

'I am writing to let you know that our colleague, Kevin Cox, will be leaving American Express next month to join General Electric Company as their Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Kevin has done a terrific job leading our HR team for the last 14 years. He's been a great partner and advisor to me, the Executive Committee and many other leaders throughout American Express. Kevin loves new challenges, though, and I know he sees this as a unique opportunity to be part of the rebuilding effort at one of the world's iconic companies at a critical time in its history. While I'm sorry to see him leave, I want to wish him all the best.

When he takes on his new responsibilities at GE at the end of February, Kevin will be drawing on the expertise that has made him an outstanding leader in his field. He had a distinguished career as CHRO at Pepsi before joining us in 2005. Through his roles at industry and professional associations, he's also led efforts to improve the way companies provide health care and wellness programs to their employees.

During his tenure with us, Kevin did more than build a strong HR team. He helped us to shape a workplace that attracts and develops the most talented people from the broadest range of backgrounds. He helped me, and Ken Chenault before me, to drive our corporate strategy with innovative talent, leadership and performance management programs. Those programs are an important part of why we are recognized as a top employer in so many markets around the world. We'll continue to benefit for many years from all that Kevin has done to make this a culture that builds great leaders.

At GE, Kevin will be reporting to the new CEO, and he will be joining their equivalent of our Executive Committee.

We will be conducting an external search for Kevin's successor. In the meantime, Robert Childs will become acting Chief Human Resources Officer, reporting to me. Robert will assume all of Kevin's reporting relationships, with one exception. During this interim period, David Kasiarz will also report directly to me and will continue to lead the Global Total Rewards & Medical (GTRM) team.

I hope you will join me in thanking Kevin for all that he has done for American Express and wishing him well in the next phase of his career.'