John has been an international investment banking executive for over 30 years.  Most recently he was Head of US Investment Banking for Mizuho Group, the Japanese universal bank, which he joined in 2013 as Co-Head of US Coverage.  While at Mizuho he helped lead the strategic redirection of the Firm from a US commercial lender to a true diversified corporate and investment banking platform, including leading the negotiation, integration and sourcing of the Firm’s $46bn acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland’s US business.  Prior to Mizuho, John spent 20 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, of which 18 years were in London in technology, healthcare and consumer investment banking, as well as leadership roles in the UK Corporate & Investment Banking team.  John has advised on well over $100 billion in capital raising and financial advisory transaction across the world. Today, John is Managing Partner for White Oak Merchant Partners, the broker dealer arm of White Oak Global Advisors, as well as an advisor and investor in emerging growth companies across industries. John has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago.