Phil Kolb has distinguished himself as the managing director of Rockefeller Capital Management. He has dedicated much of his life and career to the financial services industry.
“It has truly been an amazing ride, as I head into my 42nd year working in the financial services industry. There are probably not that many people who do it for this long,” Kolb said.
Before launching his career, Kolb earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from St. John’s University in 1988. He has attended many industry-related programs, including the Securities Industry Institute Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout his impressive career, Kolb has worked for some of the most prestigious firms in his industry, including Merrill Lynch, Bank Julius Baer in Switzerland, Morgan Stanley, and now Rockefeller Capital Management.
Kolb has lived in Singapore and Zurich while overseeing international business operations for Merrill Lynch and Bank Julius Baer, respectively. While working overseas, he oversaw operations in Asia, Europe and South America.
Reflecting on his path through life, Kolb says, “My philosophical approach is that in order to achieve a measure of success, you must grasp every opportunity that’s provided to you. You don’t know when another one is going to come along. Make sure you always drive hard and that your work ethic is evident. Make sure that you are positive in your approach and always looking to improve.”
Hard Work and Unwavering Dedication
Throughout his career, Kolb has been fully committed and diligent in his work, no matter what the nature of the task. He often speaks of when he first started his career at Merrill Lynch and was given the responsibility of counting physical securities in the firm’s vault. Even in the entry-level position, he regarded this task as critical to the company’s controls. One of his core beliefs is that hard work and unwavering dedication will yield rewards. His career reflects his commitment to this belief.
Kolb’s current purpose is to help position Rockefeller Capital Management for continued growth and expansion. Phil considers his current role as Head of Operations to be the most engaging chapter of his 40-year career and believes the future is filled with opportunities and challenges.
Commitment to Philanthropy
Outside of his career commitments, Kolb is a board member of the Kick4Life F.C. organization. Kick4Life F.C. is a football club based in Lesotho that provides social development activities for vulnerable young people. These activities focus on health, education, and life skills. The organization has a long-term, holistic approach to educating and encouraging young people to be the country’s future leaders. He personally sponsors several young participants and fundraises for the organization through charitable events such as an annual golf outing. The Phil Kolb Golf Day Scholarship helps bring a new scholar through the program each year.
Kolb hopes that his hard work in his professional career and philanthropic work will leave a lasting legacy, one that has positively influenced the many teammates that he has met along his journey.
