John Thain

John Thain, born on May 26, 1955, is an American businessman who served as the CEO of Merrill Lynch from 2007 until its sale to Bank of America in 2008. He is known for his role in the financial sector during the 2008 financial crisis, where he faced criticism for extravagant spending during a time of financial distress. Thain's leadership at Merrill Lynch ended amid the company's struggles, leading to significant losses and ultimately its acquisition. His tenure is often referenced in discussions about corporate governance and the ethics of executive compensation in times of crisis.