James A. Runde

Who is James A. Runde?

James A. Runde is a Wall Street investment banker and corporate director specializing in strategic and financial advice. He is a Special Advisor and a former Vice-Chairman of Morgan Stanley. In May 2014, Runde celebrated a rare milestone on Wall Street: 40 years as an investment banker, all at the same firm. Runde is one of America's longest-serving investment bankers at a single institution, and was honored by Morgan Stanley for his length of service as well as ongoing contributions to the firm. Over his career, he has served as a trusted advisor to many of the world's leading companies with a focus on the transportation and infrastructure industries. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of The Kroger Co., one of the nation’s largest grocery retail chains. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Burlington Resources, a large U.S. oil and gas company as well as a trustee of The Morgan Library & Museum.

In terms of public service, in 2007 Runde was selected to serve on a blue ribbon panel along with Speaker Newt Gingrich, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Senator Bob Kerrey to develop a national strategic plan to defeat Alzheimer's disease.