Richard Grasso

Richard Grasso

Richard A. "Dick" Grasso (born (1946-07-26)July 26, 1946 in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City) was chairman and chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange from 1995 to 2003, the culmination of a career that began in 1968 when Grasso was hired by the Exchange as a floor clerk. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Grasso became the public face of the Exchange and was praised for his role in helping restart operations. He later became embroiled in controversies and lawsuits about his excessive pay package and $140 million golden parachute.