Career Timeline of Jes Staley: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 20, 2026

How Jes Staley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

James 'Jes' Staley is an American banker best known as the former Group Chief Executive of Barclays. Prior to Barclays, Staley spent 34 years at J.P. Morgan's investment bank. In 2013, he transitioned to BlueMountain Capital before assuming the CEO role at Barclays in December 2015. His career reflects a long trajectory in the banking and financial sector, culminating in leadership positions at major institutions.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1979: Staley Joins Morgan Guaranty Trust Co.

In 1979, Jes Staley joined Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York City after graduation.

1980: Staley Joins Latin America division

In 1980, Jes Staley started working in the Latin America division of Morgan Guaranty Trust Co.

1989: Staley Ends Work in Latin America division

In 1989, Jes Staley ended working in the Latin America division of Morgan Guaranty Trust Co.

1999: Staley Heads Private Banking Division at J.P. Morgan

In 1999, Jes Staley became the head of the Private Banking division at J.P. Morgan, improving profitability threefold within two years.

2001: Staley Becomes CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management

In 2001, Jes Staley was promoted to CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

2009: Staley Ends Tenure as CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management

In 2009, Jes Staley ended his tenure as CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, during which client assets expanded significantly.

2009: Staley Promoted to CEO of Investment Bank

In 2009, Jes Staley was promoted to chief executive of the Investment Bank at J.P. Morgan, overseeing international efforts.

2013: Staley Joins BlueMountain Capital

In 2013, Jes Staley left J.P. Morgan after more than 30 years to join BlueMountain Capital as a managing partner.

May 2015: Staley Elected to UBS Board of Directors

In May 2015, Jes Staley was elected to the board of directors of UBS, a Swiss global financial services company, as a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and of the Risk Committee.

October 2015: Recognition for contribution to LGBT friendly company.

In October 2015, Jes Staley's contribution to JP Morgan becoming an LGBT friendly company was recognized.

October 28, 2015: Staley to Become CEO of Barclays

On October 28, 2015, it was announced that Jes Staley would become the group chief executive of Barclays, effective December 1, 2015.

December 1, 2015: Staley Resigns from UBS, Effective Immediately

On December 1, 2015, to avoid conflicts of interest, UBS accepted Jes Staley's resignation from all of his functions at UBS with immediate effect.

December 2015: Staley Becomes CEO of Barclays

In December 2015, Jes Staley became the CEO of Barclays after spending 34 years at J.P. Morgan and a brief period at BlueMountain Capital.

March 2016: Staley Outlines Vision for Barclays' Investment Bank

In March 2016, Jes Staley presented his vision for the future of Barclays' investment bank, although the changes were not initially well-received by the markets.

November 2021: Staley Resigns from Barclays Amid Regulatory Probe

In November 2021, Jes Staley resigned from his position at Barclays amid a regulatory probe into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The New York Times reported that Staley was Epstein's "chief defender" at J.P. Morgan.

November 2021: Staley Resigns Following Investigation

On November 1, 2021, Jes Staley resigned from Barclays following the results of the company's investigation of his associations with Jeffrey Epstein. It was later reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over four years.