The Scoop...

As the internal consulting division and incubator for new business ideas, the Strategy & Business Development Group (SPG) of American Express occupies a special place in its parent company's heart. Comprised of three areas of focus- Strategy Consulting, Business Development, and Mergers & Acquisitions - SPG offers consulting services to each of American Express's Business Units as well as the Office of the Chief Executive. Recently, the unit was responsible for the successful launch of American Express's Direct Brokerage and Membership B@nking services. Consultants at SPG tend to stay in the group for up to three years, before taking on leadership roles within American Express. SPG alums include Ken Chenault, current American Express president and chief operating officer, and Mitch Stevens, an American Express vice president and general manager of the company's ATM business in Establishment Services.