James M. Cracchiolo

James M. Cracchiolo is chairman and chief executive officer of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., formerly known as American Express Financial Corporation (AEFC), one of the nation's leading financial planning companies. He is also chairman of London-based Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Ltd., one of the United Kingdom's leading asset management companies, which AEFC acquired in 2003.

Since joining the company in 2000, Cracchiolo has positioned the company to deliver strong results by driving significant restructuring, improving its economics, strengthening product manufacturing and investment performance, refocusing the company on serving mass affluent clients and positioning it for increased growth.

In addition to his role of chairman and chief executive officer of AEFC, Cracchiolo served as chairman of American Express Bank from 2000 until February 2005. He was also responsible for American Express' International Payments unit from 2000 to 2003.

Prior to these roles, Cracchiolo served as president of Travel Related Services (TRS) International from 1998 to 2000 where he was responsible for leading American Express' expansion efforts outside the United States. In 1997, Cracchiolo was responsible for launching and leading Global Network Services, one of the most successful start-ups in American Express history.

From 1993 to 1997, Cracchiolo served as senior vice president of TRS Quality, Reengineering and Business Strategy leading a company-wide effort to reengineer core business processes. In 1990, Cracchiolo went to Shearson Lehman Brothers (then a unit of American Express) as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Cracchiolo joined American Express in 1982 and held a range of positions across the company, including chief financial officer of American Express Centurion Bank, general manager of Consumer Travel Lending, and vice president and chief financial officer of the direct marketing business.

Cracchiolo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and economics and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from the New York University School of Business.

Investments and financial advisory services are offered through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC, an Ameriprise Financial company. Ameriprise Financial is no longer owned by American Express Company.

© 2005 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.