Robert Stearns

Alan "Ace" Greenberg was an American businessman who held significant leadership roles at The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. He served as CEO from 1978 to 1993 and as Chairman of the Board from 1985 to 2001. Born in Kansas and raised in Oklahoma, Greenberg pursued a career on Wall Street after college, starting as a clerk at Bear Stearns.

Beyond his financial career, Greenberg was also involved in the world of magic. He was the financier behind Kaufman and Greenberg, a company established with Richard Kaufman to publish books on magic. Greenberg was a member of the Society of American Magicians. His book, "Memos from the Chairman," compiled his internal memos to Bear Stearns associates during his time as CEO. He passed away in 2014 after battling cancer.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Alan Greenberg spent his formative years in Oklahoma City. He initially attended the University of Oklahoma on a football scholarship but transferred to the University of Missouri after sustaining a back injury, where he earned a degree in business in 1949. Following his graduation, Greenberg embarked on a career in finance, accepting a position as a clerk at Bear Stearns, a firm where he would later rise to prominence. His early days involved a modest salary, setting the stage for a long and impactful tenure in the financial industry.

Greenberg's career at Bear Stearns saw him ascend through the ranks, ultimately leading the company as CEO from 1978 to 1993 and serving as Chairman of the Board from 1985 to 2001. During his leadership, he also took on a role as a non-executive director for Viacom. He authored "Memos from the Chairman," a collection of his internal communications to Bear Stearns employees. Greenberg was instrumental in hiring James Cayne, who eventually succeeded him as CEO. He also played a role in the company's eventual sale to JPMorgan Chase following its collapse in 2008. Additionally, Greenberg co-founded Kaufman and Greenberg, a venture dedicated to publishing magic books.

Greenberg was known for his philanthropic efforts, including a significant donation to the Hospital for Special Surgery to assist men with erectile dysfunction who lacked financial means. He was recognized by the UJA-Federation of New York for his community contributions. His personal life included two marriages and two children, one of whom, Ted Greenberg, followed in his father's footsteps in risk arbitrage. Greenberg was also an accomplished bridge player, achieving victories in notable tournaments such as the Reisinger Board-a-Match Teams in 1977.

“You do some nutty things”

“you've made your money, and you can spend it any way you want.”