A new study by language learning platform Preply has ranked the 15 smartest CEOs in the U.S., using linguistic analysis to assess cognitive ability and communication skills. Topping the list is NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, followed by Lockheed Martin’s Jim Taiclet and DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis.
The analysis, which evaluated over 2.25 hours of speech per executive, focused on complexity, clarity, and logic. Researchers scored more than 100 CEOs—starting with the leaders of the 100 largest U.S. companies by market capitalisation, plus 26 influential figures like OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
The study, grounded in research from Frontiers in Psychology, highlights a strong correlation between linguistic sophistication and decision-making ability. Traits such as verbal acuity, abstract thinking, memory, and logical reasoning were measured.
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The results spotlight leaders in tech, healthcare, energy, and finance, offering a new lens through which to evaluate executive intelligence and communication.
According to Preply, here are the 15 smartest CEOs in America, ranked by how they speak
1. Jensen Huang – NVIDIA
Score: 81.3
Huang leads NVIDIA, a key player in graphics processing and AI hardware. His communication style shows high reasoning and clear structure.
2. Jim Taiclet – Lockheed Martin
Score: 80.9
As head of one of the largest defence contractors, Taiclet’s speech reflects strong planning and strategic thinking.
3. Demis Hassabis – DeepMind
Score: 80.8
Hassabis, known for his work in artificial intelligence, ranks third. His language reflects precision and depth.
4. Vincent Roche – Analog Devices
Score: 80.6
Roche manages a firm focused on semiconductors and signal processing. His linguistic pattern shows strong analytical skills.
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5. Matt Murphy – Marvell Technology Group
Score: 78.4
Murphy ranks fifth, showing a communication style marked by technical clarity and coherence.
6. Reed Hastings – Netflix
Score: 77.3
Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, stands out for his ability to explain innovation and business direction in simple terms.
7. Joseph Dominguez – Constellation Energy
Score: 76.7
Dominguez oversees one of the largest energy companies in the US. His communication reflects operational insight and steady leadership.
8. Stephen Schwarzman – Blackstone Group
Score: 76.4
Leading a global investment firm, Schwarzman’s language shows logical structure and financial awareness.
9. Robert Ford – Abbott Laboratories
Score: 76.1
Ford is recognised for clear messaging in the healthcare space, especially in diagnostics and medical devices.
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10. Marc Andreessen – Andreessen Horowitz
Score: 75.5
Andreessen, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, is noted for detailed and structured public statements.
11. Patrick Collison – Stripe
Score: 75.4
Collison, co-founder of Stripe, communicates in a way that combines innovation with clarity.
12. Sam Altman – OpenAI
Score: 75.2
Altman ties for twelfth place. His speech reflects complex thinking around AI development and ethics.
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12. Shantanu Narayen – Adobe
Score: 75.2
Narayen shares the twelfth spot. His language reflects a balance between creativity and corporate focus.
14. Robert Bradway – Amgen
Score: 74.4
Bradway, leading a biopharmaceutical company, shows consistency and clarity in his communication.
15. Jamie Dimon – JPMorgan Chase
Score: 74.3
Dimon, CEO of one of the biggest banks, communicates with directness and logic.
