Michael Marks

Michael Marks has over 40 years' experience in the banking and securities industry. Prior to founding NewSmith, Michael was an Executive Vice President and Executive Chairman, Merrill Lynch Europe, Middle East and Africa; Chairman, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers; Chairman, International Private Client Group and member, Executive Management Committee.

Michael joined Merrill Lynch in 1995 when Merrill Lynch acquired Smith New Court, assuming the role of Co-Head of the Global Equities business with responsibility for Merrill Lynch's equities business throughout the world. He became Chief Operating Officer of Merrill Lynch Europe, Middle East and Africa in 1997 and was subsequently named Executive Chairman. He became an Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. in 2001, the first time a company official from outside the US attained this rank.

Later that year, Michael assumed additional duties as Chairman of International Private Client and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, the global fund management subsidiary with over $500 billion of client assets under management.

Michael started his career with Smith Bros in 1958. He was appointed a director there in 1975 and became Chief Executive of Smith New Court in 1987. He was appointed Executive Chairman of Smith New Court in January 1995.

He was a member of the Board of the London Stock Exchange from July 1994 to July 2004. In 1998, he was named Vice President of the British Bankers Association and Chairman of the London Investment Banking Association (until February 2002). Michael was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999 for services to Britain's financial services industry. In 2004, he was appointed a non-executive Director of Old Mutual plc and a non-executive Director of RIT Capital Partners plc. He attended St. Paul's School, London.

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