Denise Pickett is a successful leader with a track record of driving strong business results. But what makes her stand out is her tremendous commitment not to herself but to the success of her team. She has built her career empowering, advocating for, inspiring and celebrating the people who work for her.

The number one principle of her leadership philosophy is “family first.” While Denise spends her days at the American Express headquarters in New York City, her priority in life is her family of five at home in New Jersey.

Denise finds a way to balance the two with grace, energy and compassion. She is an avid sports fan for her kids’ budding ice hockey and soccer careers and has been known to get out on their backyard ice rink once in a while to play goalie.

Today, Denise is the Executive VP of American Express OPEN, where she is responsible for the development, marketing and sales of the company’s suite of charge and credit card products designed for small businesses in the United States. Prior to her current role, Denise was senior VP and country manager for American Express Canada, leading the Consumer and Small Business divisions and serving as president and CEO of Amex Bank of Canada.

Denise also plays an active role in the community and the marketing industry. She is currently a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada. She has served as an active member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, on the Board of Directors for a Toronto area hospital, and was the chair of their Strategic Planning Committee. Denise is also the former chair of the Canadian Marketing Association.