Dick Grasso, the founder of Gladiator Holdings, is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Stock Exchange (1995-2002), guiding the Exchange to the most successful years in its 223-year history. During his tenure, the NYSE became the world’s most respected equities market, boosting its market share to 84% and setting annual records for new listings, IPOs and transfers. A champion of the small investor, Grasso brought unparalleled transparency to the marketplace. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Grasso’s leadership was instrumental in the successful reopening of the U.S. equities markets.
Grasso currently serves on the Advisory board of root9B, a dynamic provider of cyber security, and previously served as a Director of publicly-traded Computer Associates, and Home Depot.
Grasso also currently serves as Vice-Chairman of The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the Nassau County Police Crimestoppers, and serves on the Board of Wagner College. He also served as chairman of the Economic Club of New York, the YMCA of Greater New York, and Junior Achievement of New York, and vice chairman of the National Italian American Foundation. Among other philanthropic activities, Mr. Grasso has founded the American Dream Foundation, and has served on the boards of the New York City Police Foundation, New York State Troopers Foundation and the New York City Public Private Initiatives, among other organizations.