Russ Banham

Russ Banham is a prominent American author and journalist with a distinguished career in business and financial reporting. Born on September 20, 1954, Banham has established himself as a respected figure in the world of corporate journalism and historical writing.1

Career Highlights

Banham began his professional journey at The Journal of Commerce in 1983, where he worked as a reporter and editor covering insurance and risk management. In 1987, he transitioned to freelance journalism, contributing to prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Economist, Financial Times, and Chief Executive.1

Authorship

As an author, Banham has written 32 books, including numerous corporate histories and biographies. Some of his notable works include:

• A 100-year history of USF&G
• "Rocky Mountain Legend" about Coors Brewing Company, which reached number four on the Denver Post's regional bestseller list
• Histories of companies like Conoco, Hawaiian Airlines, Guardian Life, and New York Life
• Authorized biographies of business figures such as Ernest Jacob Olde and Kenneth Schnitzer1

In 2019, Banham co-authored "Problem Solving: HBS Alumni Making a Difference in the World" with Harvard Business School Professor emeritus Howard Stevenson.1

Recognition and Expertise

Banham is widely regarded as "America's Corporate Historian" and is considered the world's foremost corporate historian.12 His expertise has led to appearances on various media platforms:

• Interviewed about major corporations like Boeing, Ford, and Coors on NPR
• Featured on television shows such as ABC 20/20, The Today Show, and A&E Biography
• Appeared in documentaries like "How Factories Changed the World" and "Alumination"1

Awards and Nominations

Banham's journalistic prowess has earned him significant recognition:

• Nominated for the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Journalism for his series of articles on the U.S. Embassy in Moscow1
• Described as a Pulitzer-nominated financial journalist in various professional contexts34

As a freelance journalist and author, Russ Banham continues to contribute to the field of business journalism, offering insightful analysis and historical perspectives on corporate America and global business trends.