One supposes that the first executive desks were the famous and historical Bureaus de Platte built from the time of Louis the 15th. And amazingly those same Louis the 15th style desks are still somewhat popular in feminine offices and offices of businesses where an almost gaudy presence is expected. Executive desks certainly run the full gamut of style ranges from staunch and stodgy to clean and high tech. The traditional rectangular walnut or mahogany desk for the executive suite is still immensely popular and seems to be the preferred barrier between management and those on receiving side of orders.
Of particular note is that these desks for everyone from CEOs to the sole proprietor of a home business have all been altered in design of late to accommodate the age of information technology. No executive artifice is immune to pre drilled holes that allow desktop computers and other telemetry their preeminent place in the office. Add to the traditional design elements desks for executives made from glass, Lucite and even carbon fiber to fully incorporate newer than space age design ideas. As fancy elements have been removed from the executive suite and boardroom, prices for high end management required furniture have plummeted, making these huge size desks and credenzas far more affordable.