Rick Petrino

Rick Petrino: A Distinguished Career in Financial Services

Rick Petrino has built a remarkable career in the financial services industry, demonstrating expertise and leadership across multiple domains. With over three decades of experience, most notably at American Express, his journey reflects a blend of significant achievements and a solid educational foundation.

Educational Background

Rick's academic journey began at Lehigh University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. Furthering his education, he obtained an MBA in Finance from New York University, equipping him with the knowledge and skills essential for his future roles. Additionally, as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Rick possesses the professional credentials that emphasize his expertise in financial management.

Early Professional Experience

Rick started his professional career as a Senior Accountant at KPMG, a global firm known for its audit, tax, and advisory services. He then moved to Credit Suisse First Boston, where he gained valuable experience in corporate finance from 1993 to 1996. These roles laid the groundwork for his entry into American Express, an organization where he would spend the majority of his career and hold various impactful positions.

Career Progression at American Express

At American Express, Rick's career progressed through a series of key roles that showcased his versatile capabilities. His early roles focused on planning and business unit finance, eventually leading him to head the Corporate Planning & Investor Relations, where he was responsible for business planning, forecasting, and financial analytics from 2007 to 2014.

Leadership Roles

Rick's leadership journey continued as the Senior Vice President and Head of Global Capital Markets, Treasury, from 2014 to 2016. In this role, he managed the company’s funding strategy and played a pivotal role in growing the online savings account program, amassing around $100 billion in deposits. Further expanding his influence, he took on the role of Chief Operational Risk Officer and Global Head of Oversight, managing a global team and revamping risk management processes from 2016 to 2018.

Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

From January 2018 to January 2020, Rick served as the Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, leading a global team of over 2000 colleagues. During this time, he successfully improved quarterly close times by 10% and implemented critical accounting standards.

Chief Operating Officer at American Express National Bank

His latest and most prominent role at American Express was as the Chief Operating Officer of American Express National Bank from January 2020 to August 2024. Here, Rick led operations for a bank with assets over $180 billion, contributing significantly to about 60% of the company's revenues. Under his leadership, the bank achieved record revenues and profits, maintained satisfactory regulatory ratings, and executed large-scale projects like the Conduct Risk Management Program.

Board Memberships and Contributions

Beyond his executive roles, Rick also contributed as a board member for both American Express National Bank and the Global Business Travel Group, serving in various committee capacities focused on risk management, compliance, audit, finance, and compensation.

Conclusion

Rick Petrino's career stands as a testament to his dedication, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the financial services industry. His contributions have not only driven significant growth and innovation at American Express but have also positioned him as a respected leader in finance and banking.