Money article on founders that still run fortune 500 companies.

27 of 500. That’s about half a percentage point.

Not a lot of companies. There are 3 things that stop founders from being the CEO by the time a company is on the fortune 500.

1. Death
2. Firing
3. Company blew up before reaching the list

I do agree that industry expertise is important. And how founders want a success more than they want a paycheck.

However, anyone else with deep industry knowledge, good management skills, and drive could be as successful. Founders have the advantage of already being in the top management position, and the "luxury" of learning on the job.

But saying founders get good returns makes for good copy.

Don’t let it get to your head.