Donaldson, William Henry (1931– )

US financial executive. He was an under-secretary of state (1973–74), dean of the Yale graduate school of management (1975–80), and a Ford Foundation trustee (1968–80). In 1991, he became chairman and chief executive officer of the New York Stock Exchange and later served as chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission 2003–05.

Born in Buffalo, New York, he graduated from Yale in 1953 and served for two years in the Marine Corps before launching a career in business, government, and education. His firm, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc., founded in the mid 1950s, became well known for its innovative approaches. He has also served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and been involved with many civic and philanthropic projects as a trustee, chairman, and director.