John Urban | |
|---|---|
| CEO of Urban Capital LLC
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John Edward Urban (born January 2, 1963) is an American investment banker and CEO of Urban Capital LLC. As a retired General Partner of Goldman Sachs, Urban held pivotal roles within the institution, including serving as the Head of Bank Loan Trading[1], co-heading the Global Leveraged Finance Group, and co-heading the predecessor to the Special Situations division. His expertise and leadership extended to his membership of the Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities Division Risk committee.
Goldman Sachs[edit]
John joined Goldman Sachs in 1992 as a Vice President, became a Managing Director in 1996, and was named General Partner in 1998. He retired from Goldman Sachs in 2002. John was one of the pioneers of the loan syndication and private placement trading markets. He was a founding member of the Loan Syndication and Trading Association and helped to streamline the trading and settlement of commercial bank loans.
Legal Trouble[edit]
Urban faced scrutiny as a managing director when allegations against him thrust the workplace's culture into the spotlight. Former bond trader Thomas Hudson Jr.[2] filed a $50 million lawsuit[3], claiming he was unfairly dismissed due to his extramarital affair with a coworker, Gabrielle Katz. Urban had been notified of the ongoing affair, and as Hudson's superior, fired him the next day. Hudson's lawsuit[4] painted a picture of a permissive atmosphere at Goldman Sachs, where such relationships were seemingly condoned, if not encouraged. He alleged that despite assurances from his supervisor, Robert O'Shea[5] (Co-founder of Silver Point Capital[6] and former Goldman Sachs General Partner[7]), about the affair not affecting his career, Urban terminated him on grounds of adultery, citing religious convictions.
Hudson further asserted claims of religious and sexual discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's refusal to pursue the case had added complexity to the situation. The outcome of the legal proceedings shed light not only on the specifics of Hudson's case but also on the broader workplace dynamics and policies at Goldman Sachs.
Urban Capital LLC[edit]
Urban Capital LLC is a distinguished family office started by John Urban specializing in a diverse range of investment strategies, including real estate, oil and gas, high yield investments, bank loans, and equities. Urban Capital LLC investment expertise spans across multiple sectors, allowing it to capitalize on a broad array of opportunities. Over the years, Urban Capital LLC has cultivated strong and enduring relationships with investors worldwide, notably Vero Capital[8] formally known as Admiral Capital[9] an investment management firm founded by former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker Dan Bassichis and NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson. Urban has stated ""I have been friends and then business partners with David and Dan for many years and have watched them build Admiral Capital from the start," he continued. "It has been a real joy watching Admiral’s steady growth over the years and I look forward to continuing to invest alongside Dan and the Vero team and supporting all of David’s philanthropic endeavors.""[10]
Urban Capital LLC continues to expand it's investment portfolio and explore new opportunities.
Boards[edit]
Throughout his career, John Urban has dedicated himself to serving on a multitude of boards, each representing a unique opportunity for him to leverage his wealth of skills and knowledge. From strategic planning to effective governance, his insightful contributions have been instrumental in shaping the direction and success of various organizations.
Patrick Henry College[edit]
John Urban is a member of the foundation board for Patrick Henry College where he assist in financial management and guidance.
Urban stepped down from the official board of Patrick Henry College for personal reasons but remained a member of the foundation board. During his time on the board he served alongside former Alliance Defending Freedom CEO Michael P. Farris, a personal attorney to president Donald J Trump and Christian activist and billionaire James R. Leininger.
Highland Capital Management[edit]
John Urban served on the board of directors for Highland Capital Management and stepped down from the board before it had to close doors due to financial and legal issues[11].
Nelson University[edit]
John Urban is a member of the Board of Regents for Nelson University, formerly known as sagu.
The Kings College[edit]
John Urban is a member of the Board of Trustees for Kings College[12]
- ^ "Goldman Sachs Debt Unit Revamped". American Banker. American Banker. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "EX-BOND TRADER SLAPS 50M SUIT ON GOLDMAN". Daily News. Daily News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Nussenbaum, Evelyn. "FIRED FOR ADULTERY! TRADER SUES GOLDMAN SACHS OVER DISMISSAL". New York Post. New York Post. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ McGeehan, Patrick. "Former Trader Sues Goldman, Charging Firing Was Illegal". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Robert James O'Shea". Bloomberg. Bloomberg. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "About The Firm". Silver Point Finance.
- ^ "Bob O'Shea". CFA Society New York. CFA Society New York.
- ^ "Vero Capital". Vero Capital. Vero Capital. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
{{cite web}}: Text "Real Estate Investment" ignored (help) - ^ "Admiral Capital Group Rebrands as Vero Capital to Mark Firm's Growth". Business Wire. Business Wire. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "Admiral Capital Group Rebrands as Vero Capital to Mark Firm's Growth". Vero Capital. Vero Capital. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Wirz, Matt. "Highland Capital Management Files for Bankruptcy". Wall Street Journal Bankruptcy. Wall Street Journal Bankruptcy. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Moody, Josh. "The King's College Ends Controversial Partnership". Inside Higher Ed. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved May 10, 2024.