The fly-by is an approved maneuver and was performed in textbook fashion.If he didnt get ATC clearance,he should have.He doesnt need clearance from the CEO.On board the aircraft he outranks the CEO.
The CEO really missed his opportunity on this one.After the flight,he should have fired him(just to let him know whos boss on the ground) and then immediately re-hired him with a raise(to show he has a GSOH).