James Gorman

  • 21 Dec 2009 at 1:29 PM

James Gorman’s Tips For Maximizing Your Workout

By

James Gorman is taking over Morgan Stanley on January 1 (4th?). Some of you (shareholders, employees) would probably appreciate a little insight from the horse’s mouth as to how he’s planning on running the place, etc. We’re not going to give that to you. What we will share is Jimbo’s favorite track to blast while hitting the bag.

During the financial crisis, Mr. Gorman…blew off steam by hitting a punching bag in a gym while listening to music. With “Back in Black,” by the Australian band AC/DC, playing, Mr. Gorman said, “you’ll definitely go faster.”

Continue reading »

  • 21 Dec 2009 at 11:59 AM

For Starters, This One Will Insist On Getting Paid

By

jamesgorman.jpgAs John Mack takes his valedictory lap around Wall Street, The Wall Street Journal has decided to take the Knife down a few pegs. It seems that, in choosing a successor to Mack, the board thought it best to hire someone who shares nothing with Mack besides a penchant for cutting costs.
To begin with, James Gorman is Australian. But he’s not like the Australians you’ve seen on TV: He’s deliberate, cautious and doesn’t use foul language. In all the ways that count, he’s actually less Australian than North Carolina’s own John Makhoul.
He’s not even taking Johnny’s bigger office, allowing the dowager empress to keep her throne until he decides to throw her overboard. He’s threatened to discipline–after careful consideration–any floor trader that even looks at him, much less offers him a standing ovation. Gorman’s thinking on that point is simple: You don’t applaud the guy who’s cutting your balls off; you thank him quietly, miss, and start trading like the stupid girl that you are. And don’t dare call him Jim.

Continue reading »

  • 12 Oct 2009 at 12:35 PM

Insider: Here’s How I Know James Gorman Will Be Great For Morgan Stanley

By

jamesgorman.jpgAs you’re aware, John Mack is retiring at the end of this year and come January 1, James Gorman, who currently runs the firm’s brokerage unit, will take over as CEO. This has a gaggle of employees supposedly all nervous about what the change at the top might mean. Namely they’re worried about whether or not Big G will have it in him to take on enough risk to “regain lost ground against Goldman” (and if he’ll get everyone hopped up on sweets like Mack). Apparently Gorman’s been meeting with traders and has assured them “risk taking is going to be a part of [Morgan's] business” but some people are not yet convinced. Enter, an unnamed Gorman loyalist to offer a confidence inspiring quote. How does this guy know Gorman won’t dial down big bets? That he won’t give Lloyd Blankfein yet another opportunity to ask “how’s my ass taste”? That’ll he’ll do right by Morgan Stanley? Here’s how: letters.

Continue reading »