Charles D. Johnston

Charlie has had a 40-year career in the financial services industry, starting as a registered rep with Merrill Lynch in Chicago in 1978. He finished his wealth management career as President and CEO of Smith Barney (when it was owned by Citigroup) and then as President of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. During that time he was also on Citigroup’s Management Committee, then Morgan Stanley’s Operating Committee and Management Committee.

Charlie now owns Johnston Properties, an investment fund that invests in a number of public and private businesses. In addition, he is board chairman of Bank Leumi US, a board member of publicly traded asset manager Pzena Investment Management, and a board member of the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida.

Charlie earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing and finance from Purdue University. He is a regular speaker at industry events, including those sponsored by Barron’s and SIFMA.

Charlie spends the summer months in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and is a resident of Key Largo, Florida.