Date of Birth: September 3, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: July 25, 2014
Biography
Alan C. Greenberg, often known as “Ace” Greenberg, was a highly influential American businessman and financier. He was born on September 3, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas. Greenberg is best known for his long tenure at Bear Stearns, where he served as CEO from 1978 to 1993 and later as Chairman of the Board until 2001. He played a pivotal role in transforming Bear Stearns into one of the most successful and profitable investment banks on Wall Street during his leadership. Greenberg was renowned for his straightforward management style, his innovative approaches to trading and risk management, and his ability to navigate the firm through various financial crises. He passed away on July 25, 2014, leaving behind a legacy as one of Wall Street’s most respected and formidable figures.
5 Interesting Facts about Alan C. Greenberg
1. Greenberg joined Bear Stearns in 1949 as a clerk in the firm’s margin department and climbed the ranks over the decades.
2. He was known for his unconventional hiring practices, favoring “PSDs” (Poor, Smart, with a Deep desire to get rich) over Ivy League graduates.
3. Greenberg was an accomplished magician and often used magic tricks to break the ice and build rapport during business meetings.
4. He authored a book titled “Memos from the Chairman,” which is a collection of humorous and insightful memos he sent to Bear Stearns employees.
5. During his tenure, Bear Stearns avoided the 1987 market crash largely unscathed due to Greenberg’s conservative risk management strategies.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan C. Greenberg
1. “The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”
2. “Hire PSDs: Poor, Smart, with a Deep desire to get rich.”
3. “Never follow the crowd. Go where there is no path and leave a trail.”
4. “Markets are never wrong; opinions often are.”
5. “I believe in luck. The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Alan C. Greenberg’s net worth was estimated to be around $400 million.
Children
Alan C. Greenberg had three children: one daughter, Teddi Greenberg, and two sons, Mark Greenberg and Ted Greenberg.
Relevant Links
1. [Alan C. Greenberg on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_C._Greenberg
3. [Forbes Profile of Alan C. Greenberg](https://www.forbes.com/profile/alan-c-greenberg/