BEEN THERE.
DONE THAT.
LEADERS HELPING LEADERS
We match the world’s most respected former Chief Executive Officers with today’s top executives to:
- Achieve Highest Priority Objectives
- Avoid Critical Mistakes
- Accelerate Desired Outcomes
Better. Faster. Smarter.
THE BEST OF THE BEST
CNEXT exclusively represents the top business leaders of our time – dozens of former Chief Executive Officers from organizations of $5B to $100+B. Our Executives are globally recognized leaders across a broad range of industries.

SUPER-CHARGE YOUR LEADERSHIP
WE ARE:
- Thought partners, confidants, advocates – invested in your organization and your personal success
- Unwaiveringly confidential and discreet
WE ARE NOT:
- Traditional consultants – Lacking “in the chair” practical experience, and driven to onboard legions of junior consultants into your company
- Traditional mentors/coaches – engaged by your board to oversee and evaluate you
CNEXT EXECUTIVE CIRCLE
CNEXT curates an exclusive, active community of former Chief Executive Officers with extensive experience within respected, multi-billion dollar organizations.
Participation in the CNEXT Executive Circle is by invitation only.
CNEXT LEADERSHIP
Rick Smith is the Founder of CNEXT, LLC, having worked closely with current and recent CEOs for the past two decades. Previously, Rick was the Founder/Co-Founder of: World 50, the world’s premier senior executive networking organization now serving over 700 of the Fortune Global 1000 companies; G100 Next Generation Leadership, the leading CEO succession develop program with more than 60 Fortune 1000 CEOs as alumni; Fast Radius, a global provider of advanced additive manufacturing solutions (industrial 3D printing) recognized by the World Economic Forum, and Bionic, a leading innovation consultancy and corporate growth platform. Rick is a national bestselling author of three books, and a recognized TED speaker who has keynoted hundreds of events.
Wayne is Executive Chairman of Chief Executive Group and CEO of Chief Executive Network. He is also the Chairman of Bongarde Media and served as the Chairman of Pyramid Research until its sale to United Business Media. Previously, he served as CEO of Kennedy Information, which grew dramatically and was sold to The Bureau of National Affairs. He was also the Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vizium, a marketing services company which was successfully sold to Aegis. Prior to his entrepreneurial efforts, Wayne was a consultant with Bain & Company and Monitor Company in Boston, London, Milan and California.
Marshall Cooper is CEO of Chief Executive Group, which owns Chief Executive and Corporate Board Member magazines, among other businesses. Previously, Marshall served as President of Kennedy Information, which grew 650% in five years under his tenure. Prior to his entrepreneurial work, Marshall led merger and acquisition and strategy work for K-III Communications (now Primedia) and The New York Times Company. He has also served as editor of President Bush’s primary briefing, The Daily White House News Summary, and worked for the Department of State at the American Embassy in Helsinki.
CONNECT WITH CNEXT
If you are interested in a confidential conversation about CNEXT and our services:
» Email Inquiries@C-NEXT.com
If you are a former public company Chief Executive Officer with an interest in our exclusive community:
» Email Executive@C-NEXT.com