Chief Executive magazine veteran editor Donlon passes away

J.P. Donlon

Chief Executive magazine long-time editor J.P. Donlon died last week at the age of 73.

Donlon had been with the magazine for over 43 years, having joined as a senior editor a year after its launch in 1977. He was named managing editor a year later and then editor-in-chief in 1981.

For 37 of Chief Executive’s 44 years of publication, Donlon steered it through economic slumps and recoveries and across multiple owners.

Wayne Cooper, executive chairman of Chief Executive Group, the parent company of the magazine said:

“J.P. dedicated his career to serving the CEO community. He helped establish Chief Executive magazine and Chief Executive Group as the leading voice of America’s CEOs with his sharp mind and the wisdom he gained speaking to the best CEOs in the world over the past 50 years. He will be missed but his legacy will continue.”

In 1986, he debuted Chief Executive’s annual CEO of the Year award.

He also held the post of principal consultant at Chasseur LLC. He was also a former Board of Directors member, AIESEC United States and had also served as editor-in-chief of Directorship.

Donlon graduated from Northeastern University.