John J. Phelan Jr.

American financier (1931–2012)

John Joseph Phelan Jr.
Phelan in 1983 or 1984

President of the New York Stock Exchange
In office 1980–1984
Preceded by	No President between May 1972 and May 1980
Succeeded by	Robert J. Birnbaum
Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange
In office 1984–1990

Personal details
Born	(1931-05-07)May 7, 1931 Manhattan, New York City
Died	August 4, 2012(2012-08-04) (aged 81) Manhattan, New York City
Spouse	Joyce Phelan
Alma mater	Adelphi College (BA)
Occupation	financier
Known for	introduced computerized trading technology

John Joseph Phelan Jr. (May 7, 1931 – August 4, 2012) was an American financier who served as president and later chairman and chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange, where he introduced computerized trading technology. Phelan's leadership tenure at the NYSE included the 1987 stock market crash, during which he declined to halt trading. Phelan's calm and confident manner was widely praised. After the crash, Phelan helped to implement trading curbs also known as "circuit breakers" to help prevent rapid stock selloffs in the future.^[1]

Biography

Phelan was born in Manhattan, New York City, on May 7, 1931, to John Phelan Sr., a financier and member of the NYSE, and Edna Kelly. He started college in 1949, but left after two years to serve in the US Marine Corps. After returning from the Marines, Phelan went to work as a floor trader with his father's firm, Phelan & Co. and attended Adelphi University, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration.^[1]

John Phelan Jr. died on August 4, 2012, in Manhattan, New York City at age 81 from cancer.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b McDonough, Megan (2012-08-09). "John J. Phelan Jr., ex-chairman of New York Stock Exchange, dies at 81". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
^ "John Phelan, N.Y.S.E. Chief Who Ushered In New Technology, Is Dead at 81". DealBook. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-23.