In 1998, Paul Newman approached Peter L. Malkin about creating an organization that would encourage companies to commit greater resources to charitable investments. Malkin invited David Rockefeller, Paul Volcker, and John C. Whitehead to join him in this effort as Honorary Chairs, and CECP was born.

CECP was officially launched on November 18, 1999 at a press conference at Chase Manhattan Plaza. At this event, Paul Newman, John C. Whitehead, Peter L. Malkin, Walter Shipley, and other business leaders called upon companies to respond to the needs in their communities.

In 2000, the group recruited Ken Derr, retired Chevron CEO, to serve as co-chair. CECP has since grown to include more than 180 CEO members — representing over 150 major corporations and approximately $10 billion of annual corporate giving.

CECP continues to inspire and challenge today’s business leaders to find innovative ways to fulfill unmet social needs, to lead the way towards better alignment of business and social strategies, and to serve as business ambassadors.

Download CECP's Ten-Year History to learn more about the organization's acccomplishments in its first decade.


Watch the 10th Anniversary Video, with footage from CECP's 1999 launch