The Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO) recently announced that the two global leadership organizations will merge to operate as one. Together, they will continue to offer networking opportunities and world-class benefits to a combined total of 15,000 members.

“This is an incredible milestone in the 57-year history of YPO,” said Michael I. Pappas, FY2007/2008 YPO International Chairman and member of the Miami Chapter. “Connecting with our graduates is a powerful resource for our YPO members. YPOers will now have access to nearly 5,000 industry and world leaders who share their YPO connection. We appreciate the efforts of WPO leaders to make this lifelong organization a reality, and we will continue to foster the legacy of WPO.”

YPO, comprised of young leaders under the age of 55, and WPO, an organization for YPO graduates, will retain their individual local chapters and continue focusing on their respective members’ needs.

“This merger offers both organizations the opportunity to unite two forward-thinking cultures, while maintaining the individuality of each membership group,” said Rich Campbell, 2007 WPO International Chairman and member of WPO’s Philadelphia Chapter.

The combined YPO/WPO organization continues to be a good friend of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. In the past both organizations have shared resources and referrals, and YPO was instrumental in helping EO launch chapters around the world. Both organizations are discussing how to continue working together on projects such as Member Exchange (M2Mx) and the WPO/EO Mentoring program. There should be no impact on the relationship between local EO chapters and the YPO/WPO chapters. EO looks forward to maintaining its continued strong alliance with YPO/WPO for many years to come.

To read more about the Young Presidents’ Organization, visit www.YPO.org. To read more about the World Presidents’ Organization, visit www.WPO.org.