Dee Hock

Mr. Hock is a native of North Ogden, Utah, where he began his business career in the consumer finance industry in 1950. During the next sixteen years, he held a succession of management positions with major financial institutions.

In 1968, he developed the concept of a global system for the electronic exchange of value and a unique, new form of organization for that purpose: a decentralized, nonstock, for-profit membership institution to be owned by financial institutions throughout the world. In 1970, the first portion of that organization, VISA U.S.A., was founded, followed by VISA International in 1974. It is now a $1.5 trillion enterprise jointly owned by more than 20,000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries and territories.

Under his direction, the VISA organization became a pioneer of quality and innovation, developing, among other things, the first electronic authorization system, electronic funds transfer system, debit card system, magnetic stripe technology and electronic point-of-sale terminals.

In 1984, Mr. Hock left the VISA organization to pursue his lifelong interest in the evolution of institutions, management practices and the nature and extent of change they will encounter in the twenty-first century. He is currently writing, lecturing and, with the support of major foundations, has formed The Chaordic Alliance, a global institution linking people and organizations throughout the world in a concerted effort to develop, disseminate and implement new, more effective and equitable concepts of commercial, political and social organization.

In 1991, he became one of thirty living Laureates of the Business Hall of Fame for his many innovations in organization and management. In 1992, he was recognized as one of eight individuals who most changed the way people live in the past quarter century.