Jim Cracchiolo

Jim Cracchiolo has served as Chairman and CEO of Ameriprise Financial since the company was spun off from American Express in 2005, making him one of the longest-serving CEOs in the financial services industry. Under his leadership, Ameriprise grew from a mid-size financial planning firm into a diversified financial powerhouse with approximately $1.4 trillion in client assets under management and administration. Cracchiolo's strategy has centered on three pillars: building a premier wealth management business (Ameriprise's advisor network manages assets for millions of clients), expanding asset management globally (through Columbia Threadneedle Investments, created by combining Columbia Management with the UK's Threadneedle Investments acquired from BMO), and maintaining a profitable insurance and annuities book. The wealth management business generates stable, fee-based revenue that provides ballast through market cycles. His key decisions involve advisor recruitment and retention, asset management product innovation and distribution, capital allocation between organic growth, acquisitions, and shareholder returns (Ameriprise has been an aggressive share repurchaser), and navigating regulatory changes in financial advice and fiduciary standards. The stock trades at a premium to diversified financial peers reflecting consistent execution.