LibGuides: Company Research: Biographical Information

Biographical Directories

The following are general or business focused references. Depending on the subject's particular focus, specialty directories are also helpful. Examples include American Men and Women of Science and International Who's Who in Music.

Current Biography Illustrated
Gale Biography in Context
Comprises Biography Resource Center & The Complete Marquis Who's Who.

D&B Hoovers
Basic and in-depth information about companies, industries, and executives from the United States and internationally.

LinkedIn
Major professional social networking platform; some information is freely available, other is premium. Includes links to professional associations and other groups.
Nexis Uni
Available through the “Business" link, compiles data from Who’s Who, Standard & Poor’s Directory of Corporate Executives, and many specialty biographical directories.

Other Sources

Beyond directories, biographical information can be located in a range of other types of resources:

Biographies Books on notable business people, often providing insights into the subject's historical era, business climate, and management strategies. Biographies may cover individuals or groups.
Company Histories Company biographies contain information about founders, key managers, and competitors.
Legal Documents Financial documents filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) are required to list basic biographical information on upper level management. Patents provide a history of an inventor's achievements. Court cases document the legal struggles of companies and their owners.
Newspapers and Journals Excellent sources of profiles, contemporary news, and other primary source materials.