Robert G. Wilmers
Bob Wilmers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 April 1934 New York, U.S. |
| Died | 16 December 2017 (aged 83) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Chairman and CEO of M&T Bank |
Robert George "Bob" Wilmers (April 20, 1934 – December 16, 2017) was a prominent American banker and billionaire. He held the positions of chairman and CEO at M&T Bank from 1983 until his passing in 2017, with a brief interruption lasting 18 months during 2005–2006.
Early life and education
Wilmers was born in New York on April 20, 1934, as one of three offspring of Charles Wilmers, who was an executive and later became president of the Belgian utility holding firm Sofina, and his wife Cecilia. His upbringing took place between New York City and Belgium. His sister, Mary-Kay Wilmers, serves as the editor of the literary publication London Review of Books.
He completed his studies at Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated from Harvard College in 1956. Subsequently, he pursued further education at the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
Career
Wilmers initiated his professional journey at Bankers Trust Co. in 1962. During the 1960s, he held a financial administrative role within New York City's government under Mayor John Lindsay. Later, he was employed by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company.
From 1983 onward, Wilmers served as chairman and CEO of M&T Bank along with its subsidiary, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company.
Throughout his career, he garnered numerous accolades. These include being named Niagara Frontier Executive of the Year in 1992 by the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management and Western New Yorker of the Year in 1991 by the Greater Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. He was awarded honorary degrees from Canisius College (1988), Niagara University (1991), and the State University of New York at Buffalo (2004). Additionally, he received The Buffalo News’ Citizen of the Year distinction twice, in 1987 and again in 1994. Although Wilmers stepped down as CEO in 2005, he resumed the role after an 18-month hiatus when his successor left the position. His professional achievements also include receiving the American Banker Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and being honored as Banker of the Year by American Banker in 2011.
In 1998, Wilmers ventured into viticulture by acquiring Chateau Haut-Bailly, a winery located in Bordeaux.
He held several key leadership positions such as chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation from 2008 to 2009, chairman of the New York State Bankers Association in 2002, and director at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York between 1993 and 1998.
In 2016, Wilmers along with business partners purchased multiple newspapers in western New England, including The Berkshire Eagle based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
By January 2017, increases in banking stock prices had propelled Wilmers into billionaire status.
Personal life and death
His spouse, Elisabeth Wilmers, is of French nationality. Together they owned Château Haut-Bailly from its acquisition in 1998 until his death and later purchased Château Le Pape nearby in 2012.
Wilmers passed away on December 16, 2017, at his residence in New York City due to a heart attack while recuperating from surgery.