Edward Grebow
Edward Grebow | |
|---|---|
| Education | George Washington University School of Business |
| Occupation(s) | Business executive, banker |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank (2011–2013), Managing Director at Lakewood Advisors |
Edward Grebow held the position of President and CEO at Amalgamated Bank from 2011 until 2013 and currently acts as Managing Director at Lakewood Advisors, where he offers consulting expertise to financial firms, media technology enterprises, and nonprofit organizations.
Between 2007 and 2010, Grebow served as Managing Director at J.C. Flowers & Co, playing a key role in the $25 billion acquisition of Sallie Mae. From 2002 to 2003, he led the Metropolitan Television Alliance (MTVA), managing negotiations to rebuild broadcast towers lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Subsequently, from 2003 through 2006, he was president of ULLICO, where he revitalized its financial condition and repositioned the company as an essential provider of financial services to labor unions and pension funds.
Career
Grebow's career began at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company in an accounting capacity. In 1985, he advanced to Executive Vice President and COO at Bowery Savings Bank, collaborating with investors such as Richard Ravitch, Warren Buffett, and Laurence Tisch to acquire and rehabilitate the struggling bank. After implementing operational efficiencies, Bowery Savings was sold in 1987 to H.F. Ahmanson & Co. for $200 million.
In 1988, Grebow joined CBS Inc. as Executive Vice President, where he managed the $4 million acquisition and expedited refurbishment of the historic Ed Sullivan Theater for Late Show with David Letterman, delivering a cutting-edge production venue within a 12-week timeframe.
Appointed President of Tele-TV Systems in 1995—a collaboration among regional telephone companies—he directed initiatives to develop interactive television technology and provided testimony before the Federal Communications Commission regarding advanced television systems and digital spectrum policy. He later became president of Chyron Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of television production equipment, leading it back to profitability by 1997.
Beginning in 1999, Grebow guided Sony Broadcast and Professional Company through the industry's transition to digital formats and oversaw its alliance with Panavision Inc. to supply filmmakers worldwide with premium digital cameras.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Grebow departed Sony to lead the Metropolitan Television Alliance, coordinating efforts to restore broadcast infrastructure destroyed during the attacks. He successfully negotiated agreements for analog and digital antenna installations on the new Freedom Tower, securing uninterrupted broadcasting services for New York City.
In 2003, Grebow assumed the presidency of labor union-affiliated financial services firm Ullico. He orchestrated capital injections, asset divestitures, and leadership changes that restored financial health and reputation after prior executive misconduct. This successful restructuring bolstered his reputation as an expert in revitalizing labor-centered financial organizations.
Joining private equity firm J.C. Flowers & Co. as Managing Director in 2007, he supervised the privatization process of student loan leader Sallie Mae. In 2011, Grebow was named President and CEO of union-owned Amalgamated Bank, which was confronting losses from unsuccessful real estate loans and potential FDIC intervention. He secured $100 million in funding from investors including billionaire Wilbur Ross and Ron Burkle, introduced innovative retail banking solutions, and positioned Amalgamated as the banking partner for significant clients such as the Democratic National Committee, the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee, and the Occupy Wall Street movement. Under his leadership, Amalgamated initiated derivative lawsuits on behalf of pension fund clients to reinforce its commitment against corporate wrongdoing.
After stabilizing Amalgamated Bank in 2013, Grebow resumed investment banking with TriArtisan Capital Partners as Managing Director. In 2018, he established Lakewood Advisors to offer consulting services tailored to financial institutions, media technology companies, fintech ventures, and nonprofit organizations.
Current Trustee and Board Roles
Grebow holds board memberships at Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., where he leads as Chair of the Audit Committee, and at Xenith Bankshares, representing Anchorage Capital Group. He became a member of Alcentra Capital Corporation's Board in 2016 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2019. Furthermore, Grebow serves as a trustee for New York City's public television station Thirteen/WNET, the Laborers International Union Charitable Foundation, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation.
Previously, he has contributed his expertise to the boards of The George Washington University, American Film Institute, Theatre Development Fund, and Panavision, Inc.
Education
Grebow earned his degree from the George Washington University School of Business.
Awards
In recognition of his efforts to enhance the welfare of Irish immigrants, Grebow was honored with the Robert Briscoe award by The Emerald Isle Society in 2013. Later, in 2018, he was designated a Life Trustee by the Board of Trustees at WNET.