John Thornton
About John Thornton
John Thornton's Career on Wall Street
John Thornton had a legendary career on Wall Street spanning over four decades. His tenure is highlighted by his role as Co-President of Goldman Sachs and Co-CEO of Goldman Sachs International. Thornton is credited for significantly expanding Goldman Sachs' business outside the United States, setting a new precedent for international growth. He also served as the Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia, further solidifying his influence and contribution to the global financial industry.
Leadership Roles in Corporate and Educational Boards
John Thornton has served as the chairman of several corporate, public policy, and educational boards in both the US and China. Notably, he is the first non-Chinese full professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing since 1949 and the director of the Global Leadership Program at the same institution. He also holds the position of Co-Chair of the Asia Society and is a trustee of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
John Thornton has held board memberships in several high-profile companies such as HSBC, Intel, General Atlantic, ICBC, China Unicom, IMG, BSkyB, DirecTV, and News Corp. He also serves on the advisory board of McKinsey and the Council on Foreign Relations. His involvement extends to the International Advisory Council of CIC, the Chinese sovereign wealth fund, showcasing his influential presence in both corporate and advisory capacities.
Recognition and Awards
John Thornton's impact on the financial industry has been widely recognized. Institutional Investor Magazine named him as one of the forty individuals who have had the greatest influence in shaping global financial markets over the past forty years. This acknowledgment is a testament to his significant contributions and leadership within the industry.
Involvement in US-China Relations
John Thornton has been actively involved in fostering US-China relations. He met with Xi Jinping as part of the US-China summit and CEO delegation in San Francisco, reflecting his pivotal role in international diplomacy and business relations. His contributions to strengthening ties between the two nations have been noted in various professional and political circles.