Fortune is launching a new video interview show that will feature prominent business leaders in an interactive “ask me anything” format.
This Thursday, Fortune will launch The Chat at Facebook’s offices in Menlo Park, California, with an hour-long interview with General Electric (GE) chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. Fortune senior editor at large Pattie Sellers (that’s me) will lead the conversation in front of a live audience of Facebook (FB) employees. Immelt will field questions from Fortune and from the live studio audience—and answer questions submitted by Fortune readers via Facebook.
Future shows will have Fortune assistant managing editor Adam Lashinsky or me sitting down with other business leaders renowned for innovative thinking, big ideas and a willingness to tell it like it is. The Chat reflects the increasing focus of Time Inc. (TIME), Fortune‘s parent, on video — particularly video that travels globally via social media. Says J.R. McCabe, Time Inc.’s senior vice president in charge of video: “One of the primary goals in our video strategy is to actively lead conversations and engage audiences. Extending Fortune’s The Chat to Facebook is a perfect example of how the plan comes to life in a fun and vibrant way.”
In the coming months, The Chat will feature interactive interviews with other leaders who represent a cross-section of Fortune’s franchises, including the Fortune 500, Most Admired Companies, Best Companies to Work For, Most Powerful Women, 40 Under 40, and World’s Greatest Leaders.
But first up, Immelt, who heads No. 9 on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list. What would you like to ask GE’s chief? Go to my Facebook page to submit your question for Immelt—and he’ll tackle a range of topics that could span from lighting to leadership, from jet engines to jobs, from power systems to CEO pay. Select clips and the full hour-long interview with Immelt will appear on Fortune.com on Tuesday, June 2.
