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]

John Joseph Phelan Jr.
Phelan in 1983 or 1984
President of the New York Stock Exchange
In office
1980–1984
Preceded byNo President between May 1972 and May 1980
Succeeded byRobert 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
DiedAugust 4, 2012(2012-08-04) (aged 81)
Manhattan, New York City
SpouseJoyce Phelan
Alma materAdelphi College (BA)
Occupationfinancier
Known forintroduced computerized trading technology

Biography

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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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "John Phelan, N.Y.S.E. Chief Who Ushered In New Technology, Is Dead at 81". DealBook. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
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