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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Harvey Golub
| name         = Harvey Golub
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1939|4|16}}
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1939|4|16}}
| birth_place = [[New York City]], New York, U.S.
| birth_place = [[New York City]], New York, U.S.
| nationality = American
| nationality = American
| occupation = Businessman, corporate executive
| occupation   = Businessman, corporate executive
| known_for = Chairman and CEO of [[American Express]]
| known_for   = Former CEO and Chairman of [[American Express]]
| education = [[New York University]] (MBA)<br/>[[Cornell University]]
| education   = [[New York University]] (MBA)<br/>[[Cornell University]]
| spouse = Roberta Golub
| spouse       = Roberta Golub
| children = 4
| children     = 4
| title = Former Chairman and CEO, [[American Express]]; Interim Non-Executive Chairman, [[Dynasty Financial Partners]]
}}
}}


'''Harvey Golub''' (born April 16, 1939) is an American businessman who served as chairman and chief executive officer of [[American Express]], one of the world's largest financial services corporations. Born and raised in [[New York City]], Golub rose through the ranks of corporate America from a career at [[McKinsey & Company]] to the top leadership of American Express, where he guided the company through a significant period of strategic transformation during the 1990s. After retiring from American Express in 2001, he continued to hold leadership positions across the financial services industry, including serving as non-executive chairman of [[American International Group]] (AIG) during a critical period following the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|2008 financial crisis]] and as chairman of the investment banking firm Miller Buckfire. Golub has also been active in public policy and philanthropy, serving on the boards of institutions including the [[American Enterprise Institute]], the [[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research|Manhattan Institute]], [[Lincoln Center]] for the Performing Arts, and [[NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital]]. In 2020, he was named interim non-executive chairman of the board of [[Dynasty Financial Partners]], a role in which he has continued to serve.<ref name="advisorhub">{{cite news |date=April 2, 2020 |title=Dynasty Financial Partners Names Harvey Golub as New Interim Non Executive Chairman of the Board |url=https://www.advisorhub.com/dynasty-financial-partners-names-harvey-golub-as-new-interim-non-executive-chairman-of-the-board/ |work=AdvisorHub |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Harvey Golub''' (born April 16, 1939) is an American businessman who served as [[chief executive officer]] and chairman of [[American Express]], one of the largest financial services corporations in the world. Born and raised in [[New York City]], Golub rose through the ranks of corporate America after a career in management consulting, eventually steering American Express through a period of significant transformation during the 1990s. Following his retirement from American Express in 2001 at the age of 61, Golub embarked on an extensive second career as a corporate board member, investor, and advisor across multiple industries, including financial services, energy, and technology. He served as non-executive chairman of [[American International Group]] (AIG) from 2009 to 2010 during the insurer's restructuring following the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|global financial crisis]], and has held board and advisory roles at numerous organizations including [[Miller Buckfire]], Dynasty Financial Partners, the [[American Enterprise Institute]], and the [[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]]. Throughout his post-retirement career, Golub has remained an outspoken commentator on fiscal policy, taxation, and economic matters, contributing op-eds to major publications and appearing on financial news programs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golub |first=Harvey |date=2011-08-22 |title=Harvey Golub: My Response To Buffett And Obama |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903639404576516724218259688 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Harvey Golub was born on April 16, 1939, in [[New York City]], New York.<ref name="dynasty">{{cite web |title=Dynasty Financial Partners |url=https://dynastyfinancialpartners.com/bio?id=1008 |publisher=Dynasty Financial Partners |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in the New York metropolitan area during a period defined by the aftermath of the [[Great Depression]] and [[World War II]]. Details of his family background and childhood remain largely private, though Golub has on occasion spoken publicly about his upbringing in the context of discussions about economic opportunity and personal responsibility in America.<ref name="wsj-response">{{cite news |last=Golub |first=Harvey |date=August 22, 2011 |title=My Response To Buffett And Obama |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903639404576516724218259688 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Harvey Golub was born on April 16, 1939, in [[New York City]], New York.<ref name="dynasty">{{cite web |title=Dynasty Financial Partners |url=https://dynastyfinancialpartners.com/bio?id=1008 |publisher=Dynasty Financial Partners |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in New York and would go on to pursue higher education in the city and in [[Ithaca, New York|Ithaca]], New York. Details about Golub's parents, siblings, and childhood circumstances remain largely undocumented in publicly available sources. What is known is that Golub's upbringing in New York City positioned him at the center of the American business and financial world from an early age, an environment that would shape his career trajectory in the decades to come.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Golub attended [[Cornell University]] and later earned a [[Master of Business Administration]] degree from [[New York University]].<ref name="dynasty" /> These academic credentials provided the foundation for a career that would span management consulting, corporate leadership, and financial services.
Golub attended [[Cornell University]] and [[New York University]], where he earned a [[Master of Business Administration]] degree.<ref name="dynasty" /> These institutions provided Golub with a rigorous academic foundation in business, finance, and management that would underpin his subsequent career in consulting and corporate leadership. Cornell University, a member of the [[Ivy League]], and NYU's graduate business program were both recognized as among the leading academic institutions in the United States for aspiring business professionals during the period Golub attended.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== McKinsey & Company ===
=== Management Consulting ===


Before joining American Express, Golub built a career at [[McKinsey & Company]], one of the world's preeminent management consulting firms. His work at McKinsey provided extensive experience in corporate strategy and organizational management, and it was during this period that he developed the strategic acumen that would later define his tenure at American Express. Golub's expertise in corporate restructuring and strategic planning attracted the attention of American Express leadership, ultimately leading to his recruitment by the company.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harvey Golub |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2CAGE9yJcm8C&dq=golub&pg=PA79 |publisher=Google Books |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Before joining American Express, Golub built a career in management consulting. He worked at [[McKinsey & Company]], one of the most prominent global management consulting firms, where he developed expertise in corporate strategy and organizational management.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harvey Golub biography |url=http://www.millerbuckfire.com/team/harvey-golub |publisher=Miller Buckfire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His consulting background provided him with broad exposure to corporate challenges across industries and gave him the analytical framework he would later apply in leading American Express through a period of strategic refocusing.


=== American Express ===
=== American Express ===


Harvey Golub's association with American Express represents the central chapter of his career. He joined the company and rose to become its chief executive officer, eventually also serving as chairman of the board. His leadership of American Express spanned much of the 1990s, a transformative decade for the company.
Harvey Golub's tenure at [[American Express]] represents the most prominent chapter of his career. He rose through the leadership ranks of the company to become its chief executive officer and later chairman, guiding the financial services firm through a significant period of transformation during the 1990s.


When Golub assumed the top leadership role, American Express was in the midst of a strategic reassessment. The company had previously pursued a broad financial services conglomerate model under the leadership of [[James D. Robinson III]], acquiring firms such as [[Shearson Lehman Brothers]] and IDS Financial Services. Golub took a different approach, focusing the company on its core strengths in charge and credit cards, travel services, and financial advisory services.
In January 1993, Golub was named chief executive officer of American Express. At the time of his appointment, the company was undergoing a strategic shift, moving away from its diversified financial conglomerate model and refocusing on its core businesses of charge and credit cards, travel services, and financial advisory.<ref>{{cite web |title=AmEx Names Golub Chief Executive |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-26-fi-1902-story.html |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=1993-01-26 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Under Golub's leadership, American Express pursued a strategy of streamlining its operations, divesting non-core businesses, and strengthening its brand identity around premium financial products and services.


In January 1993, Golub was named chief executive officer of American Express. The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reported on the leadership transition, which signaled a new strategic direction for the company.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 26, 1993 |title=American Express leadership transition |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-26-fi-1902-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Under his leadership, American Express divested non-core businesses and refocused on its flagship card products and travel-related services. This strategy of strategic focus and operational discipline helped restore the company's profitability and competitive position during a period of intense competition in the financial services industry.
During his years leading American Express, Golub oversaw several key strategic initiatives. The company expanded its card product offerings, grew its merchant network, and invested in technology and customer service improvements. Golub was credited with refocusing the company's identity and improving its financial performance during a competitive period in the credit card and financial services industry. His management style, informed by his consulting background, emphasized disciplined strategic thinking, cost management, and brand value.


Golub served as both chairman and CEO of American Express until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, the company strengthened its brand, expanded its card membership base, and improved its financial performance. His management philosophy emphasized disciplined cost control, strategic clarity, and brand value — principles that would continue to shape American Express after his departure.
Golub retired from American Express in 2001 at the age of 61, having served as both CEO and chairman of the company.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 10 Highest Paid CEOs |url=https://nymag.com/news/articles/ceos/golub.htm |publisher=New York Magazine |date=2020-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His departure marked the end of an era at American Express, during which the company had been transformed from a sprawling conglomerate into a more focused financial services brand. After retiring, Golub joined the boards of several companies, beginning a second career as a corporate director and advisor.<ref name="nymag">{{cite web |title=The 10 Highest Paid CEOs |url=https://nymag.com/news/articles/ceos/golub.htm |publisher=New York Magazine |date=2020-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


According to ''[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]'', Golub retired from American Express at the age of 61, having built the company into one of the most recognized financial brands in the world.<ref name="nymag">{{cite news |title=The 10 Highest Paid CEOs |url=https://nymag.com/news/articles/ceos/golub.htm |work=New York Magazine |date=February 7, 2020 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> After leaving American Express, Golub joined several corporate boards, including that of Warnaco and the technology company AirClic.<ref name="nymag" />
=== Post-Retirement Board Service and Advisory Roles ===


=== AIG Chairmanship ===
Following his retirement from American Express, Golub became one of the most active former CEOs in American corporate governance, serving on multiple boards and advisory committees across a range of industries.


In 2009, Golub was appointed non-executive chairman of [[American International Group]] (AIG), succeeding [[Edward M. Liddy]]. AIG had been at the center of the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|2008 financial crisis]], requiring a massive government bailout that became one of the most controversial interventions in American financial history. Golub was brought in to provide experienced, independent leadership as the company sought to stabilize its operations, repay government funds, and restore credibility with investors, regulators, and the public.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 6, 2009 |title=AIG names Harvey Golub as chairman |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0635873620090806 |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
==== American International Group (AIG) ====


Golub served as non-executive chairman of AIG from 2009 to 2010, a period during which the company made significant progress in unwinding troubled assets and beginning to repay the U.S. government's investment. He was succeeded as chairman by [[Steve Miller (businessman)|Steve Miller]]. Golub's brief but important tenure at AIG was viewed as part of the broader effort to install credible corporate governance at the insurer during its recovery.
In 2009, amid the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|global financial crisis]], Golub was appointed non-executive chairman of [[American International Group]] (AIG). The insurer had received a massive government bailout and was undergoing an intensive restructuring process. Golub succeeded [[Edward M. Liddy]] in the chairman's role and served in that capacity from 2009 to 2010, when he was succeeded by [[Steve Miller (businessman)|Steve Miller]].<ref>{{cite web |title=AIG names Golub chairman |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0635873620090806?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&sp=true |publisher=Reuters |date=2009-08-06 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His appointment was seen as an effort to bring experienced corporate leadership to the troubled insurer during a critical period in its history.


=== Miller Buckfire ===
==== Miller Buckfire ====


In October 2011, Golub was named chairman of Miller Buckfire, a boutique investment bank specializing in restructuring advisory services. The ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' DealBook column reported on the appointment, noting that Golub's extensive experience in corporate leadership and financial services made him a natural fit for the role.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 17, 2011 |title=Miller Buckfire Plans to Name Golub Its Chairman |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/miller-buckfire-plans-to-name-golub-its-chairman/ |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> At Miller Buckfire, Golub provided strategic oversight and guidance to the firm's operations in restructuring and mergers and acquisitions advisory work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harvey Golub – Team |url=http://www.millerbuckfire.com/team/harvey-golub |publisher=Miller Buckfire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In October 2011, investment banking firm [[Miller Buckfire]], which specialized in restructuring advisory services, announced plans to name Golub as its chairman.<ref>{{cite news |date=2011-10-17 |title=Miller Buckfire Plans to Name Golub Its Chairman |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/miller-buckfire-plans-to-name-golub-its-chairman/ |work=The New York Times DealBook |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, Golub brought his extensive experience in corporate strategy and financial services to bear on advising companies navigating financial distress and complex restructuring situations.


=== Boutique Energy Company ===
==== Dynasty Financial Partners ====


In 2016, Golub was appointed to chair a boutique energy company, expanding his portfolio of leadership roles beyond traditional financial services. The ''[[Financial Times]]'' reported on the appointment, which reflected Golub's willingness to apply his corporate governance expertise to new sectors.<ref>{{cite news |date=2016 |title=Former Amex head Harvey Golub to chair boutique energy company |url=https://www.ft.com/content/241fc5ce-5252-11e6-9664-e0bdc13c3bef |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Golub became involved with Dynasty Financial Partners, a network of independent wealth management firms, as an early investor and board member. In April 2020, he was named interim non-executive chairman of Dynasty's board of directors, replacing Todd Thomson, who remained on the board.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dynasty Financial Partners Names Harvey Golub as New Interim Non Executive Chairman of the Board |url=https://www.advisorhub.com/dynasty-financial-partners-names-harvey-golub-as-new-interim-non-executive-chairman-of-the-board/ |publisher=AdvisorHub |date=2020-04-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Early Investor and Former Amex CEO Harvey Golub Takes New Role on Dynasty's Board |url=https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2aucvn101hggptw1ajev4/ria-intel/early-investor-and-former-amex-ceo-harvey-golub-takes-new-role-on-dynastys-board |publisher=Institutional Investor |date=2020-04-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In February 2025, it was reported that Golub continued to serve in this interim chairman role.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dynasty Names New Interim Board Chairman |url=https://www.wealthmanagement.com/ria-news/dynasty-names-new-interim-board-chairman |publisher=WealthManagement.com |date=2025-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In February 2026, Dynasty Financial Partners announced the successful closure of a minority capital raise supported by its community of stakeholders, with Golub continuing in his leadership role on the board.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dynasty Financial Partners Closes Minority Capital Raise |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205382361/en/Dynasty-Financial-Partners-Closes-Minority-Capital-Raise |publisher=Business Wire |date=2026-02-05 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Dynasty Financial Partners ===
==== Energy Sector ====


In April 2020, Golub was named interim non-executive chairman of the board of [[Dynasty Financial Partners]], a network of independent wealth management firms. The appointment was reported by multiple financial industry publications. Golub had been an early investor in Dynasty and had served on its board prior to assuming the chairmanship, succeeding Todd Thomson, who remained on the board of directors.<ref name="advisorhub" /><ref name="riaintel">{{cite news |date=April 3, 2020 |title=Early Investor and Former Amex CEO Harvey Golub Takes New Role on Dynasty's Board |url=https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2aucvn101hggptw1ajev4/ria-intel/early-investor-and-former-amex-ceo-harvey-golub-takes-new-role-on-dynastys-board |work=Institutional Investor |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 11, 2025 |title=Dynasty Names New Interim Board Chairman |url=https://www.wealthmanagement.com/ria-news/dynasty-names-new-interim-board-chairman |work=WealthManagement.com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In 2016, Golub was appointed to chair a boutique energy company, extending his board service into the energy sector.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Amex head Harvey Golub to chair boutique energy company |url=https://www.ft.com/content/241fc5ce-5252-11e6-9664-e0bdc13c3bef |publisher=Financial Times |date=2016-07-25 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This appointment reflected the breadth of Golub's corporate governance experience across multiple industries.


In February 2026, Dynasty Financial Partners announced the successful closure of a minority capital raise supported by its community of stakeholders, with Golub continuing to serve in his leadership capacity.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 5, 2026 |title=Dynasty Financial Partners Closes Minority Capital Raise |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205382361/en/Dynasty-Financial-Partners-Closes-Minority-Capital-Raise |work=Business Wire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
==== Technology Investments ====


=== Investment Activities ===
Golub has also been active as an investor in technology ventures. In July 2019, it was reported that Golub had backed TradAir Ltd., an Israel-linked banking software startup focused on electronic trading technology for banks and financial institutions.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-07-23 |title=Former American Express CEO Harvey Golub Backs Banking Software Startup TradAir |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3766896,00.html |work=CTech |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Following his retirement from American Express, Golub had also joined the boards of [[Warnaco Group|Warnaco]] and technology company AirClic, among other ventures.<ref name="nymag" />


Beyond his corporate board roles, Golub has maintained an active profile as an investor. In 2019, he invested in TradAir Ltd., an Israel-linked banking software startup focused on electronic trading and financial technology. The ''CTech'' publication, affiliated with the Israeli business newspaper ''[[Calcalist]]'', reported that Golub's backing underscored the company's potential in the financial technology sector.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Former American Express CEO Harvey Golub Backs Banking Software Startup TradAir |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3766896,00.html |work=CTech |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Think Tank and Nonprofit Affiliations ===


== Public Policy and Commentary ==
Golub has maintained long-standing associations with several prominent policy organizations and think tanks. He has served as a member of the board of trustees of the [[American Enterprise Institute]] (AEI), a center-right public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Trustees |url=http://www.aei.org/about/board-of-trustees/ |publisher=American Enterprise Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also been affiliated with the [[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]], a New York City–based think tank focused on economic growth, education, and urban policy, where he served as a trustee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manhattan Institute Trustees |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426073311/http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/trustees.htm |publisher=Manhattan Institute for Policy Research |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Golub has been an outspoken commentator on matters of economic policy and taxation. In August 2011, he published an opinion piece in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' responding to [[Warren Buffett]]'s public call for higher taxes on the wealthy and to the [[Barack Obama|Obama]] administration's approach to tax policy. In the article, Golub argued against higher taxes on high-income earners, contending that the federal government should focus on reducing spending rather than raising revenue. He wrote that he "deeply resent[ed]" the suggestion that wealthy Americans were not paying their fair share, and proposed that taxpayers should have the right to direct how their tax dollars were spent. The article generated significant public discussion and was widely cited in debates over fiscal policy during the period.<ref name="wsj-response" />
In addition to his policy-oriented affiliations, Golub has been involved with several nonprofit and cultural institutions. He served as a director emeritus of [[NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital]] and of [[Lincoln Center]] for the Performing Arts, where he was also a member of its investment committee. As of 2020, he served on [[Jupiter Medical Center]]'s board of trustees and was chairman of the [[Maltz Jupiter Theatre]] endowment board.<ref name="dynasty" />


Golub has also spoken on economic issues in broadcast media. In March 2023, he appeared on [[Fox Business Network]] to discuss rising inflation and its impact on the American middle class, arguing that inflation represented a "huge problem" for ordinary Americans and commenting on the effects of [[Federal Reserve]] interest rate increases on economic growth.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Rising inflation a 'huge problem' that's hurting America's middle class: Harvey Golub |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6321569264112 |work=Fox Business |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Public Commentary on Economic Policy ===


== Board Memberships and Affiliations ==
Golub has been an outspoken commentator on matters of economic and fiscal policy in the United States. In August 2011, he published an op-ed in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' titled "My Response to Buffett and Obama," in which he responded to calls by investor [[Warren Buffett]] and President [[Barack Obama]] for higher taxes on the wealthy. In the piece, Golub expressed strong disagreement with the proposition that affluent Americans were not paying sufficient taxes, writing that he "deeply resent[ed]" the suggestion that he did not need all of the money he had earned.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golub |first=Harvey |date=2011-08-22 |title=Harvey Golub: My Response To Buffett And Obama |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903639404576516724218259688 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The op-ed attracted significant attention and contributed to the broader national debate over tax policy and income inequality during the Obama administration.


Throughout his career, Golub has served on the boards of numerous corporate and nonprofit organizations. His affiliations have included:
In March 2023, Golub appeared on [[Fox Business Network]] to discuss rising inflation and its effects on the American economy. He characterized growing inflation as a "huge problem" that was disproportionately affecting America's middle class, and discussed the implications of [[Federal Reserve]] interest rate increases on [[gross domestic product|GDP]] growth.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rising inflation a 'huge problem' that's hurting America's middle class: Harvey Golub |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6321569264112 |publisher=Fox Business |date=2023-03-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
* '''[[American Enterprise Institute]] (AEI)''' — Golub served as a member of AEI's board of trustees, the Washington, D.C.-based public policy think tank focused on government, economics, and social welfare.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Trustees |url=http://www.aei.org/about/board-of-trustees/ |publisher=American Enterprise Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
* '''[[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]]''' — He served as a trustee of the Manhattan Institute, a New York-based policy research organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trustees |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426073311/http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/trustees.htm |publisher=Manhattan Institute for Policy Research |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
* '''[[Lincoln Center]] for the Performing Arts''' — Golub served as a director and member of the investment committee of Lincoln Center, one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States.<ref name="dynasty" />
* '''[[NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital]]''' — He is a director emeritus of the hospital, one of the largest and most comprehensive academic medical centers in the nation.<ref name="dynasty" />
* '''Jupiter Medical Center''' — As of 2020, Golub served on the board of trustees of Jupiter Medical Center in [[Jupiter, Florida]].<ref name="dynasty" />
* '''[[Maltz Jupiter Theatre]]''' — He served as chairman of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre endowment board.<ref name="dynasty" />


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Harvey Golub is married to Roberta Golub. The couple have four children.<ref name="dynasty" /> Golub has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to some of his contemporaries in corporate America, though he has been publicly active in philanthropy and civic affairs, particularly in the areas of healthcare, the arts, and public policy.
Harvey Golub is married to Roberta Golub. The couple has four children.<ref name="dynasty" /> Golub has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to his public corporate and policy activities. His involvement with Jupiter Medical Center's board of trustees and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre endowment board suggests a connection to the [[Jupiter, Florida|Jupiter]], Florida area, a community in [[Palm Beach County, Florida|Palm Beach County]].<ref name="dynasty" />


In his 2011 ''Wall Street Journal'' essay, Golub provided some insight into his personal perspective, describing himself as someone who had achieved financial success through hard work and who objected to what he viewed as government overreach in taxation. The essay offered a rare public glimpse into his views on personal responsibility, wealth, and civic obligation.<ref name="wsj-response" />
Golub's affiliations with cultural institutions, including his role as a director emeritus of [[Lincoln Center]] for the Performing Arts and [[NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital]], reflect longstanding engagement with New York City's cultural and civic life.<ref name="dynasty" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Harvey Golub's legacy is most closely associated with his leadership of American Express during the 1990s, a period during which he refocused the company on its core card and travel services businesses and helped restore its competitive standing. His strategy of divesting non-core assets and emphasizing brand strength became a model studied in corporate management circles.
Harvey Golub's career is defined primarily by his leadership of American Express during a formative period in the company's modern history. His tenure as CEO and chairman during the 1990s saw the company transition from a sprawling financial conglomerate to a more focused enterprise centered on its core charge card, credit card, and travel services businesses. This strategic refocusing helped position American Express for long-term competitiveness in the evolving financial services landscape.


His subsequent role as chairman of AIG during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis placed him at the center of one of the most consequential episodes in modern American finance. While his tenure at AIG was brief, it came at a moment when experienced, credible leadership was essential to the company's recovery and the broader effort to stabilize the financial system.
Beyond American Express, Golub's willingness to take on the chairmanship of AIG during one of the most turbulent periods in American financial history demonstrated a readiness to engage with complex corporate governance challenges at the highest level. His extensive board service across financial services, energy, technology, and restructuring advisory firms reflects a breadth of corporate leadership experience that spans several decades and multiple industries.


Beyond his corporate roles, Golub's involvement with organizations such as the American Enterprise Institute and the Manhattan Institute reflects his engagement with public policy debates, particularly those concerning taxation, government spending, and economic growth. His 2011 ''Wall Street Journal'' essay remains one of the more prominent public statements by a corporate leader on the subject of tax policy during the Obama era.
Golub's post-retirement career also illustrates the broader phenomenon of former Fortune 500 CEOs transitioning into roles as corporate directors, investors, and public policy commentators. His involvement with the American Enterprise Institute and the Manhattan Institute, combined with his public writings and media appearances on fiscal and economic policy, have given him a voice in national policy debates extending well beyond the corporate boardroom.


Golub's continued activity in the financial services sector, including his leadership of Dynasty Financial Partners and his investments in financial technology, demonstrates an ongoing engagement with the industry well into his eighth decade.
His ongoing involvement with Dynasty Financial Partners, including his role as interim non-executive chairman of the board, demonstrates that Golub has continued to play an active role in shaping the direction of financial services companies well into his eighties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dynasty Financial Partners Closes Minority Capital Raise |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205382361/en/Dynasty-Financial-Partners-Closes-Minority-Capital-Raise |publisher=Business Wire |date=2026-02-05 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Cornell University alumni]]
[[Category:Cornell University alumni]]
[[Category:New York University alumni]]
[[Category:New York University alumni]]
[[Category:American International Group]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:McKinsey & Company people]]
[[Category:McKinsey & Company people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:American International Group]]
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Latest revision as of 07:25, 24 February 2026



Harvey Golub
Born16 4, 1939
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusinessman, corporate executive
Known forFormer CEO and Chairman of American Express
EducationNew York University (MBA)
Cornell University
Spouse(s)Roberta Golub
Children4

Harvey Golub (born April 16, 1939) is an American businessman who served as chief executive officer and chairman of American Express, one of the largest financial services corporations in the world. Born and raised in New York City, Golub rose through the ranks of corporate America after a career in management consulting, eventually steering American Express through a period of significant transformation during the 1990s. Following his retirement from American Express in 2001 at the age of 61, Golub embarked on an extensive second career as a corporate board member, investor, and advisor across multiple industries, including financial services, energy, and technology. He served as non-executive chairman of American International Group (AIG) from 2009 to 2010 during the insurer's restructuring following the global financial crisis, and has held board and advisory roles at numerous organizations including Miller Buckfire, Dynasty Financial Partners, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. Throughout his post-retirement career, Golub has remained an outspoken commentator on fiscal policy, taxation, and economic matters, contributing op-eds to major publications and appearing on financial news programs.[1]

Early Life

Harvey Golub was born on April 16, 1939, in New York City, New York.[2] He grew up in New York and would go on to pursue higher education in the city and in Ithaca, New York. Details about Golub's parents, siblings, and childhood circumstances remain largely undocumented in publicly available sources. What is known is that Golub's upbringing in New York City positioned him at the center of the American business and financial world from an early age, an environment that would shape his career trajectory in the decades to come.

Education

Golub attended Cornell University and New York University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree.[2] These institutions provided Golub with a rigorous academic foundation in business, finance, and management that would underpin his subsequent career in consulting and corporate leadership. Cornell University, a member of the Ivy League, and NYU's graduate business program were both recognized as among the leading academic institutions in the United States for aspiring business professionals during the period Golub attended.

Career

Management Consulting

Before joining American Express, Golub built a career in management consulting. He worked at McKinsey & Company, one of the most prominent global management consulting firms, where he developed expertise in corporate strategy and organizational management.[3] His consulting background provided him with broad exposure to corporate challenges across industries and gave him the analytical framework he would later apply in leading American Express through a period of strategic refocusing.

American Express

Harvey Golub's tenure at American Express represents the most prominent chapter of his career. He rose through the leadership ranks of the company to become its chief executive officer and later chairman, guiding the financial services firm through a significant period of transformation during the 1990s.

In January 1993, Golub was named chief executive officer of American Express. At the time of his appointment, the company was undergoing a strategic shift, moving away from its diversified financial conglomerate model and refocusing on its core businesses of charge and credit cards, travel services, and financial advisory.[4] Under Golub's leadership, American Express pursued a strategy of streamlining its operations, divesting non-core businesses, and strengthening its brand identity around premium financial products and services.

During his years leading American Express, Golub oversaw several key strategic initiatives. The company expanded its card product offerings, grew its merchant network, and invested in technology and customer service improvements. Golub was credited with refocusing the company's identity and improving its financial performance during a competitive period in the credit card and financial services industry. His management style, informed by his consulting background, emphasized disciplined strategic thinking, cost management, and brand value.

Golub retired from American Express in 2001 at the age of 61, having served as both CEO and chairman of the company.[5] His departure marked the end of an era at American Express, during which the company had been transformed from a sprawling conglomerate into a more focused financial services brand. After retiring, Golub joined the boards of several companies, beginning a second career as a corporate director and advisor.[6]

Post-Retirement Board Service and Advisory Roles

Following his retirement from American Express, Golub became one of the most active former CEOs in American corporate governance, serving on multiple boards and advisory committees across a range of industries.

American International Group (AIG)

In 2009, amid the global financial crisis, Golub was appointed non-executive chairman of American International Group (AIG). The insurer had received a massive government bailout and was undergoing an intensive restructuring process. Golub succeeded Edward M. Liddy in the chairman's role and served in that capacity from 2009 to 2010, when he was succeeded by Steve Miller.[7] His appointment was seen as an effort to bring experienced corporate leadership to the troubled insurer during a critical period in its history.

Miller Buckfire

In October 2011, investment banking firm Miller Buckfire, which specialized in restructuring advisory services, announced plans to name Golub as its chairman.[8] In this role, Golub brought his extensive experience in corporate strategy and financial services to bear on advising companies navigating financial distress and complex restructuring situations.

Dynasty Financial Partners

Golub became involved with Dynasty Financial Partners, a network of independent wealth management firms, as an early investor and board member. In April 2020, he was named interim non-executive chairman of Dynasty's board of directors, replacing Todd Thomson, who remained on the board.[9][10] In February 2025, it was reported that Golub continued to serve in this interim chairman role.[11] In February 2026, Dynasty Financial Partners announced the successful closure of a minority capital raise supported by its community of stakeholders, with Golub continuing in his leadership role on the board.[12]

Energy Sector

In 2016, Golub was appointed to chair a boutique energy company, extending his board service into the energy sector.[13] This appointment reflected the breadth of Golub's corporate governance experience across multiple industries.

Technology Investments

Golub has also been active as an investor in technology ventures. In July 2019, it was reported that Golub had backed TradAir Ltd., an Israel-linked banking software startup focused on electronic trading technology for banks and financial institutions.[14] Following his retirement from American Express, Golub had also joined the boards of Warnaco and technology company AirClic, among other ventures.[6]

Think Tank and Nonprofit Affiliations

Golub has maintained long-standing associations with several prominent policy organizations and think tanks. He has served as a member of the board of trustees of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a center-right public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.[15] He has also been affiliated with the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, a New York City–based think tank focused on economic growth, education, and urban policy, where he served as a trustee.[16]

In addition to his policy-oriented affiliations, Golub has been involved with several nonprofit and cultural institutions. He served as a director emeritus of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where he was also a member of its investment committee. As of 2020, he served on Jupiter Medical Center's board of trustees and was chairman of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre endowment board.[2]

Public Commentary on Economic Policy

Golub has been an outspoken commentator on matters of economic and fiscal policy in the United States. In August 2011, he published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled "My Response to Buffett and Obama," in which he responded to calls by investor Warren Buffett and President Barack Obama for higher taxes on the wealthy. In the piece, Golub expressed strong disagreement with the proposition that affluent Americans were not paying sufficient taxes, writing that he "deeply resent[ed]" the suggestion that he did not need all of the money he had earned.[17] The op-ed attracted significant attention and contributed to the broader national debate over tax policy and income inequality during the Obama administration.

In March 2023, Golub appeared on Fox Business Network to discuss rising inflation and its effects on the American economy. He characterized growing inflation as a "huge problem" that was disproportionately affecting America's middle class, and discussed the implications of Federal Reserve interest rate increases on GDP growth.[18]

Personal Life

Harvey Golub is married to Roberta Golub. The couple has four children.[2] Golub has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to his public corporate and policy activities. His involvement with Jupiter Medical Center's board of trustees and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre endowment board suggests a connection to the Jupiter, Florida area, a community in Palm Beach County.[2]

Golub's affiliations with cultural institutions, including his role as a director emeritus of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, reflect longstanding engagement with New York City's cultural and civic life.[2]

Legacy

Harvey Golub's career is defined primarily by his leadership of American Express during a formative period in the company's modern history. His tenure as CEO and chairman during the 1990s saw the company transition from a sprawling financial conglomerate to a more focused enterprise centered on its core charge card, credit card, and travel services businesses. This strategic refocusing helped position American Express for long-term competitiveness in the evolving financial services landscape.

Beyond American Express, Golub's willingness to take on the chairmanship of AIG during one of the most turbulent periods in American financial history demonstrated a readiness to engage with complex corporate governance challenges at the highest level. His extensive board service across financial services, energy, technology, and restructuring advisory firms reflects a breadth of corporate leadership experience that spans several decades and multiple industries.

Golub's post-retirement career also illustrates the broader phenomenon of former Fortune 500 CEOs transitioning into roles as corporate directors, investors, and public policy commentators. His involvement with the American Enterprise Institute and the Manhattan Institute, combined with his public writings and media appearances on fiscal and economic policy, have given him a voice in national policy debates extending well beyond the corporate boardroom.

His ongoing involvement with Dynasty Financial Partners, including his role as interim non-executive chairman of the board, demonstrates that Golub has continued to play an active role in shaping the direction of financial services companies well into his eighties.[19]

References

  1. ↑ GolubHarveyHarvey"Harvey Golub: My Response To Buffett And Obama".The Wall Street Journal.2011-08-22.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903639404576516724218259688.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Dynasty Financial Partners".Dynasty Financial Partners.https://dynastyfinancialpartners.com/bio?id=1008.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Harvey Golub biography".Miller Buckfire.http://www.millerbuckfire.com/team/harvey-golub.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "AmEx Names Golub Chief Executive".Los Angeles Times.1993-01-26.https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-26-fi-1902-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "The 10 Highest Paid CEOs".New York Magazine.2020-02-07.https://nymag.com/news/articles/ceos/golub.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "The 10 Highest Paid CEOs".New York Magazine.2020-02-07.https://nymag.com/news/articles/ceos/golub.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "AIG names Golub chairman".Reuters.2009-08-06.https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0635873620090806?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&sp=true.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Miller Buckfire Plans to Name Golub Its Chairman".The New York Times DealBook.2011-10-17.https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/miller-buckfire-plans-to-name-golub-its-chairman/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Dynasty Financial Partners Names Harvey Golub as New Interim Non Executive Chairman of the Board".AdvisorHub.2020-04-02.https://www.advisorhub.com/dynasty-financial-partners-names-harvey-golub-as-new-interim-non-executive-chairman-of-the-board/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Early Investor and Former Amex CEO Harvey Golub Takes New Role on Dynasty's Board".Institutional Investor.2020-04-03.https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2aucvn101hggptw1ajev4/ria-intel/early-investor-and-former-amex-ceo-harvey-golub-takes-new-role-on-dynastys-board.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Dynasty Names New Interim Board Chairman".WealthManagement.com.2025-02-11.https://www.wealthmanagement.com/ria-news/dynasty-names-new-interim-board-chairman.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Dynasty Financial Partners Closes Minority Capital Raise".Business Wire.2026-02-05.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205382361/en/Dynasty-Financial-Partners-Closes-Minority-Capital-Raise.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Former Amex head Harvey Golub to chair boutique energy company".Financial Times.2016-07-25.https://www.ft.com/content/241fc5ce-5252-11e6-9664-e0bdc13c3bef.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Former American Express CEO Harvey Golub Backs Banking Software Startup TradAir".CTech.2019-07-23.https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3766896,00.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Board of Trustees".American Enterprise Institute.http://www.aei.org/about/board-of-trustees/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Manhattan Institute Trustees".Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.https://web.archive.org/web/20150426073311/http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/trustees.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ GolubHarveyHarvey"Harvey Golub: My Response To Buffett And Obama".The Wall Street Journal.2011-08-22.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903639404576516724218259688.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Rising inflation a 'huge problem' that's hurting America's middle class: Harvey Golub".Fox Business.2023-03-02.https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6321569264112.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Dynasty Financial Partners Closes Minority Capital Raise".Business Wire.2026-02-05.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205382361/en/Dynasty-Financial-Partners-Closes-Minority-Capital-Raise.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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