William B. Harrison Jr.

William B. Harrison Jr. (born August 12, 1943) is an American banker and former chairman and chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the United States. He is widely recognized for his role in the merger of Chase Manhattan Corporation and J.P. Morgan & Co., which resulted in the formation of JPMorgan Chase.

Early Life and Education

Harrison was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1966. He later attended the Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

Career

Harrison began his career at Chemical Bank, a predecessor of JPMorgan Chase, in 1967. He held various positions in the bank, including head of the bank's Middle East department, head of the bank's National Banking Group, and head of the bank's Americas division.

In 1990, Harrison became president and chief operating officer of Chemical Bank. He was named chief executive officer in 1994 and chairman in 1995. Following the merger of Chemical Bank and Chase Manhattan Corporation in 1996, Harrison became the chairman and chief executive officer of the combined entity, which was named Chase Manhattan Corporation.

In 2000, Chase Manhattan Corporation merged with J.P. Morgan & Co., forming JPMorgan Chase. Harrison served as the chairman and chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase until his retirement in 2006.

Personal Life

Harrison is married and has three children. He is involved in various philanthropic activities, including serving on the board of directors of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Legacy

Harrison's tenure at JPMorgan Chase is marked by significant growth and expansion. He is credited with successfully navigating the bank through several major mergers and acquisitions, and for his leadership during the financial crisis of 2008.

See Also

• JPMorgan Chase
• Chase Manhattan Corporation
• J.P. Morgan & Co.