Dr. Mark Whitacre is an Ivy League Ph.D. and the highest-ranked executive of any Fortune 500 company to become a whistleblower in US history, and is responsible for uncovering the ADM price-fixing scandal in the early 1990's. Dr. Whitacre holds the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of Operations at Cypress Systems, Inc. His undercover work with the FBI during the ADM scandal was the inspiration for the major motion picture, "The Informant," starring Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre. Drawing from his unique history, Mark provides one-of-a-kind insight into corporate ethics, corporate greed, and the warning signs of a flawed corporate leadership.

After simultaneously completing B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark then earned his Ph. D. degree at Cornell University in Nutritional Biochemistry. Mark then worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies including Ralston Purina, Degussa (Evonik), and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). Mark was hired at ADM when he was 32, and as the president of the BioProducts Division from it's launch, was the youngest Divisional President in the history of the company. In just six years, their fermentation complex became one of the largest in the world. At age 35, he became a Corporate Vice President of ADM and was the leading candidate to become the next company president.

Dr. Whitacre has extensive international business experience, having lived for almost four years in West Germany, working for an international company. He has also been involved with two international companies in the Southeast Asia market and traveled the region dozens of times. Mark's more than two decades of top management experience at Fortune 500 and international companies, as well as his experience with the ADM price-fixing scandal and the FBI, give him a unique, seasoned perspective on leadership in the corporate world. As Mr. Douglas Burris, Chief of U.S. Federal Probation in the Eastern District of Missouri has stated publicly, "The story about Mark Whitacre's redemption and second chance is one of the most inspirational stories of our time."

"When Good Leaders Lose Their Way"

Mark Whitacre is an Ivy League Ph.D. and is the highest-ranked executive of a Fortune 500 company to ever become a whistleblower in US history.

His take-away messages include:
• the ultimate real-life lesson in personal and business ethics
• accountability
• about ALWAYS doing the right thing
• the need to think long-term in all of your personal and business decisions.

Mark's presentation is extremely entertaining as he actively engages his audience about how he wore a wire for the FBI everyday traveling the globe for three years in one of the largest white-collar cases in U.S. history. But, his story is also about Hope, Family Commitment, Redemption & Second Chances, and a wonderful example of a family Overcoming Extreme Adversity, against all odds.

Here is what people are saying about Mark Whitacre's program:

  "Best 'real-life' speaker I have seen."

  "Great program and powerful story!"

  "His story and frankness will change how you look at your priorities and decision making."

  "This is a '12', best in my 9 years (at this event)!"

Read Mark Whitacre's CNN article, The Real 'Informant!'

Read Mark Whitacre's Herald Review article, Whitacre's Heroism

Read Mark Whitacre's Pensacola News Journal article, Whitacre's Inspiration Behind New Movie

View photos from the New York City Premiere of "The Informant" Click here

Watch CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network)interview of Mark Whitacre, "Whitacre's Story of Price Fixing Hits Big Screen"