Organization to introduce new leadership structure
The Financial Services Forum announced that former United States Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans will join the group as chief executive officer and lead its executive membership in promoting global competitiveness and robust capital markets.
"Don Evans brings to the Financial Services Forum a keen understanding of both the policy process and the benefits of strong, liquid capital markets," said Henry Paulson, chairman of the Forum and chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. "All of our members look forward to his leadership in addressing the broad challenges and opportunities confronting financial markets, economies and policy makers."
Evans will interact closely with the CEOs of the largest financial institutions in the world, representing a broad cross-section of diversified financial services.
"In this fast-paced environment of the new global marketplace, leaders in the financial services industry have an opportunity to participate in the dialogue and events that shape global economic growth," said Evans. "Today I have the opportunity and privilege to bring to this unique organization a vision that will allow our citizens to participate in vibrant and competitive markets, whether they be on a local or global level. This is also a great opportunity to begin a broader based education effort to show the importance of how capital markets can increase prosperity, improve the standard of living, and create jobs and opportunities in the United States and worldwide. I look forward to delivering that message."
Charles Prince, vice chairman of the Forum and CEO of Citigroup Inc. added, "Don Evans will have a unique view of the importance of strong capital markets to the world's economy. He will be at the fulcrum of the efforts of policymakers and the business community to work together to ensure the US and the world's economy is growing and creating jobs and opportunity."
Evans left the Bush administration in January after serving four years as Secretary of Commerce and a core member of the President's economic team. A native of Houston, Evans began his career as a "roughneck" working on oil rigs for Tom Brown Inc., a large independent energy company. Ten years later, he took the helm of the company as CEO, continuing in that position until being tapped by the president to lead the Commerce Department. Evans believes strongly in the free enterprise system, corporate accountability and corporate stewardship.
"As the leader of the Financial Services Forum, I view this as a great responsibility and a great opportunity. The members of the Forum strive to be ethical stewards of the capital markets. We believe in the strength of our global markets to create economic opportunity," Evans said. "We understand that it is our values and principles that provide the underlying framework for a vibrant and free global marketplace. We take seriously our responsibility as global financial leaders."
William Harrison Jr., chairman and CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Henry Paulson of Goldman Sachs, Charles Prince of Citigroup, and Philip Purcell, the organization's founding chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley led the search efforts that resulted in Evans' appointment as CEO.
Rob Nichols, former assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Treasury Department, has been appointed to serve under Evans as President and Chief Operating Officer. Nichols will succeed former Forum President Rick Lazio.
"Rob brings to the Forum a rich understanding of the financial services industry, as well as the strong strategic planning skills that will be key to pursuing this new challenge," said Evans. "I'm looking forward to collaborating with him in this effort."
The Financial Services Forum was organized in February of 2000. It is comprised of the chief executive officers of 18 of the largest and most diversified financial institutions in the United States. The purpose of the Forum is
