Notable Alumni of NYU Stern School of Business: Leaders and Innovators

The New York University Stern School of Business, a prestigious institution founded in 1900, has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have made significant contributions across various industries. Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Stern's strategic proximity to Wall Street has made it a popular choice for those seeking careers in finance, while its strong links to fashion and technology are reflected in its specialized MBA programs. This article highlights some of the most notable graduates of NYU Stern, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have had on the world.

Finance and Investment

NYU Stern has long been recognized for its strength in finance, and its alumni have consistently risen to the top of the industry.

Alan Greenspan: Former Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States.
Robert Greifeld: Former CEO and current Chairman of Nasdaq.
Kenneth Langone: Founding financier of The Home Depot.
Richard S. Fuld, Jr.: Best known as the former CEO of Lehman Brothers.
Edouard de Rothschild: Part of the infamous Rothschild dynasty, MBA alum Edouard was always destined to have a high-flying career.
Charles Ellis (PhD ’79): Author; former Founder & Managing Partner Greenwich Associates New Haven.

Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership

NYU Stern alumni have also excelled as entrepreneurs and business leaders, founding companies and shaping industries.

Tom Freston: Former CEO and co-founder of MTV Networks. Freston co-founded the music video channel MTV and later served as CEO of MTV Networks and Viacom. He is now the principal of Firefly3, an investment and consultancy firm.
Agnes Varis: Founder of Aegis Pharmaceuticals. Varis was a pioneer in the generic medicine industry, founding Agvar Chemicals and co-founding Marsam Pharmaceuticals and Aegis Pharmaceuticals. She was also a philanthropist, supporting causes related to the elderly, disaster relief, and women's rights.
Daniel Schulman: President and CEO of PayPal. Before PayPal, Schulman was president of enterprise growth at American Express. He has also partnered with nonprofit StandUp For Kids to support homeless youths.
Richard C. Perry: Former owner of Barneys New York. Perry launched the hedge fund Perry Capital, which owned Barneys New York from 2012.
Peter Zaffino: Chairman and CEO of AIG.
Thor Bjorgolfsson: Iceland's "first billionaire".
John J. Creedon: Former CEO and chairman of MetLife.
Thomas E. Dooley: Former CEO of Viacom.

Technology and Innovation

With its location in New York City, NYU Stern has become a hub for students interested in technology and innovation.

Rama Akkiraju (MBA ’04): Vice President, Enterprise AI, NVIDIA.

Other Notable Fields

NYU Stern alumni have also made their mark in a variety of other fields, including:

Read also: Stern College for Women

Vanessa O’Brien: Mountaineer and author. O'Brien has climbed the ranks in both her career and in mountaineering, achieving feats such as being the first woman to reach Earth's highest and lowest points, earning her a Guinness World Record.
Cathy Minehan: Former CEO of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Minehan was the first female to become president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, serving in this position for 13 years.
Paul Levitz: President of DC Comics.
Peter Westbrook: (1952-2024), B.S.
Tempestt Bledsoe: Actress.
Willow Bay: Journalist.

NYU Stern's Enduring Impact

NYU Stern's success in producing notable alumni can be attributed to several factors:

Location: Its location in New York City provides access to a wide range of industries and opportunities.
Faculty: Stern boasts a distinguished faculty of scholars and practitioners who are experts in their fields.
Curriculum: The school's curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business principles and the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Network: Stern's alumni network is a valuable resource for students and graduates alike.

As NYU Stern celebrates its 125th anniversary, it is clear that the school has had a profound impact on the world of business. Its alumni have gone on to achieve great things, and they continue to shape the industries in which they work. The school's commitment to innovation and its strong ties to the business community ensure that its graduates will continue to be leaders and innovators for years to come.

The Stern Experience: More Than Just a Degree

Many alumni fondly recall specific courses or professors that profoundly influenced their careers. For example, Tom Freston (MBA ’69) credits Professor Peter Drucker with instilling in him the importance of innovation and creative marketing. Sabrina Griffin (BS ’80) appreciated the opportunity to apply marketing principles to a real-world business issue at Gimbels department store. These experiences highlight the practical, hands-on approach that Stern emphasizes in its curriculum.

Beyond academics, the relationships formed at Stern are highly valued by alumni. Whether through clubs, international travel programs like "Doing Business In," or casual gatherings, these bonds often last a lifetime. George Simeone (BS ’85, MBA ’90) noted that Stern provided numerous opportunities to interact with professionals from the largest accounting firms, inspiring him to become a CPA. Xavier James (MBA/JD ’12) emphasized the importance of spending time with a diverse group of talented professionals from various industries.

Sustainability at Stern

Several alumni have dedicated their careers to sustainability, reflecting Stern's growing emphasis on social responsibility. Lorraine Spradley Wilson (MBA ’12) is the Founder and Principal of Blue Horizon Economy, focusing on advancing sustainability and data-driven insights within private markets. These alumni exemplify the increasing importance of sustainability in the business world and Stern's commitment to preparing students to address these challenges.

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A Global Perspective

NYU Stern's focus on global business is evident in its International Business Exchange Program (IBEX) and its "Doing Business In" travel programs. Yasuto Tsuruta (MBA ’86) found the International Negotiation Exercise to be particularly impactful, simulating negotiations between General Motors, Toyota, and the United Auto Workers. Xavier James (MBA/JD ’12) cherished his trips to Brazil, Chile, and India to study local economies and businesses. These experiences provide students with a global perspective and prepare them to work in an increasingly interconnected world.

Continuous Learning

Many alumni emphasize the importance of continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends. Roberto Marinho Neto (MBA ’12) considers professors Aswath Damodaran and Scott Galloway as lifelong references, following their publications to stay informed. This commitment to continuous learning reflects the dynamic nature of the business world and the need for professionals to constantly adapt and evolve.

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