Greg Guyett: A Distinguished Career in Global Banking and Finance
Greg Guyett is a seasoned leader in the world of international finance and banking. With a career spanning nearly four decades across leading institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Johnson Controls, East West Bank, HSBC, and now the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), he has established himself as one of the most experienced and respected executives in the financial industry. His professional journey reflects adaptability, strategic leadership, and a proven ability to navigate diverse global markets.
In this article, we will explore the life, education, and career of Greg Guyett, highlighting his remarkable achievements and the roles that have shaped his legacy in the financial sector.
Early Life and Education of Greg Guyett
Greg Guyett was born and raised in the United States. From an early age, he displayed an interest in history, culture, and the broader world, which influenced his academic choices. He pursued higher education at Princeton University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
At Princeton, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Archaeology between 1981 and 1985. Although this may seem far removed from a career in banking, the analytical skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking gained from such a degree provided a strong foundation for the challenges he would later face in the corporate world.
Career Beginnings at J.P. Morgan
Greg Guyett at J.P. Morgan: The Formative Years
Greg Guyett began his career at J.P. Morgan in 1985, marking the start of a long and illustrious tenure that spanned almost three decades. Starting in New York, he quickly advanced through the ranks, taking on challenging roles in investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate advisory.
Leadership Roles in J.P. Morgan
By the late 1990s, he was already serving as a Managing Director, a position that reflected his growing influence within the organisation. His expertise was particularly recognised in global automotive investment banking, where he advised major clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising strategies.
From 2007 to 2010, Greg Guyett became CEO of J.P. Morgan Japan, overseeing all of the bank’s operations in the country. His leadership proved critical in strengthening J.P. Morgan’s presence in the Japanese market.
Following that, he became CEO of J.P. Morgan’s Global Corporate Bank, based in London, between 2009 and 2013. He successfully built and managed the bank’s corporate coverage worldwide, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in international banking.
Later, he was appointed CEO for Greater China in 2013, where he guided J.P. Morgan’s operations across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Finally, he became Head of Investment Banking for Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong, before leaving J.P. Morgan in 2015.
This long period at J.P. Morgan showcased Greg Guyett’s ability to adapt to different markets and lead across cultures, establishing him as a truly global banking executive.
Transition to Johnson Controls and East West Bank
After nearly three decades at J.P. Morgan, Greg Guyett took on new challenges outside of traditional investment banking. In 2015, he joined Johnson Controls as Executive Vice President for Corporate Development, where he played a role in strategic planning and expansion.
In 2016, he became President and Chief Operating Officer of East West Bank, based in Pasadena, California. During his tenure, he strengthened the bank’s operational framework and played a vital role in its continued growth.
Greg Guyett’s Leadership at HSBC
Head of Global Banking
In 2018, Greg Guyett joined HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. He initially took on the role of Head of Global Banking, based in London, where he managed HSBC’s corporate and institutional banking relationships worldwide.
Co-CEO of Global Banking and Markets
By 2020, he had been appointed Co-CEO of Global Banking and Markets, sharing responsibility for one of HSBC’s most important divisions. This role required managing complex operations and ensuring HSBC maintained its strong position in global financial markets.
CEO of Global Banking and Markets
In October 2022, Greg Guyett became the Chief Executive Officer of Global Banking and Markets, a role that placed him in charge of HSBC’s vast investment banking, capital markets, and institutional client services. His leadership during this time was pivotal in steering the bank through significant restructuring and challenging market conditions.
Chair of the Strategic Clients Group
In December 2024, he transitioned into the role of Chair of the Strategic Clients Group, a position that focused on strengthening HSBC’s most important client relationships. He remained in this role until mid-2025 before moving on to his next major chapter.
First Vice President at the EBRD
In September 2025, Greg Guyett was appointed First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), based in London. In this position, he leads the bank’s client services, policy activities, and advisory functions, while also serving on the EBRD’s Executive Committee.
This appointment reflects his decades of experience in corporate banking and his ability to operate at the highest levels of international finance. His role at the EBRD represents not only a career milestone but also an opportunity to influence global development and economic growth in emerging markets.
Skills and Leadership Style of Greg Guyett
Strategic Vision
Greg Guyett has consistently demonstrated a strong strategic vision, guiding institutions through periods of transformation, expansion, and global uncertainty.
Global Perspective
With significant time spent in the United States, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, his career embodies a truly global perspective that few banking leaders can match.
Client-Focused Leadership
Throughout his time at HSBC and J.P. Morgan, Greg Guyett emphasised long-term client relationships, ensuring that businesses and governments had access to tailored financial strategies and solutions.
Personal Life of Greg Guyett
Although Greg Guyett’s professional achievements are well documented, his personal life remains private. He is known to maintain a low public profile, and details about his family, including his wife, are not disclosed publicly. His focus has always been on his career and contributing to the institutions he has led.
Conclusion
Greg Guyett’s journey from Princeton University graduate to First Vice President of the EBRD is a testament to his resilience, expertise, and leadership in the world of global finance. His career path, spanning J.P. Morgan, Johnson Controls, East West Bank, and HSBC, highlights his ability to adapt to diverse roles and environments while consistently delivering results.
With his appointment at the EBRD, Greg Guyett continues to play a significant role in shaping international banking and development. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders in finance, demonstrating that with vision, adaptability, and commitment, one can leave a lasting mark on the global stage.
