9 tips for writing an intriguing executive bio

Some executive bios emphasize the boss’s MBA credentials, community service or outsized reputation in the industry.

But few follow the lead of CEO Ben Snyder—owner of size-14 shoes, “keeper of fun” at the Colorado-based firm Systemation—whose bio recounts how he once accidentally ended up in a women’s room stall at a ski resort.

An executive bio is a personal matter, reflecting temperament and corporate culture. A query by Ragan on Help a Reporter Out brought in a slew of suggestions on how to craft one. The consensus was that a bio written with style and concrete information can boost the exec’s profile.

“For entrepreneurs, a great bio includes a glimpse into the individual’s passion for what they do or what they sell,” writes Jon Gelberg, chief content officer at Blue Fountain Media. “What you are going for is putting a human face on a company.”