Earlier this year, the appointment of Alicia Boler Davis to the board of JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest bank in the United States and the world’s biggest bank by market capitalization, reverberated loudly in the corporate world.
Unlike the customary discreet entry of a new board member, Davis, an African-American engineer with an illustrious career spanning giants like General Motors and Amazon, injects compelling energy into JPMorgan Chase & Co., demanding our unwavering attention.
Davis is not merely another director; she is a trailblazer, a visionary, and a living embodiment of the limitless potential of perseverance and tenacity. Her remarkable journey, from fixing household items in her childhood home to assuming a pivotal role at JPMorgan, the world’s largest bank, is nothing less than extraordinary.
Her journey into the corporate realm began with a spark of inspiration ignited during her high school years at the General Motors Institute. Fuelled by a burning curiosity about the inner workings of machines and an innate talent for problem-solving, she embarked on a path that would lead her to greatness.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University, she set foot in the corporate world in 1994, joining General Motors as a manufacturing engineer. However, her ascent was meteoric as she rose to prominence at General Motors’ Michigan Orion Assembly facility. She shattered glass ceilings and carved her name in history by becoming the first black woman to assume the role of plant manager while leading the Pontiac Stamping Plant.
The turning point in her career came in 2012 when she was appointed vice president of customer experience at General Motors. This marked the beginning of a transformative phase in her career. In 2013, she ascended to the role of senior vice president for global customer experience, solidifying her position as a key player in the automotive industry. Her remarkable achievements led to her participation in the Forbes Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit in 2014, a testament to her extraordinary leadership.
Davis’ influence extends far beyond her corporate achievements. She has been a tireless champion for women in the automotive industry, leveraging her more than 25 years of experience to mentor and support women on their professional journeys. In 2018, she was recognized as the Black Engineer of the Year, an accolade that underscored her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In April 2019, Davis embarked on a new adventure, joining the ranks of tech giant Amazon as vice president of global customer fulfillment. Her role encompassed overseeing fulfillment, customer service, and robotics on a global scale. Here, she shone brightly on one of the world’s biggest stages, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her contributions were nothing short of heroic, as she played a pivotal role in managing the crisis.
A twist in the narrative came when Davis made an unexpected move at the height of her success at Amazon. She took the helm as CEO of Alto Pharmacy, a prescription delivery startup with a mission to address the daunting $300-billion-a-year prescription drug crisis.
Her decision to lead this endeavor underlines her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on society. Today, Davis finds herself at JPMorgan Chase & Co, one of the most influential financial institutions globally.
Her appointment as an independent director in January is more than just a career move; it’s a continuation of her legacy of breaking barriers. She believes that JPMorgan’s emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance customer services and its alignment with her values make it an ideal platform for her to contribute her diverse background and three decades of experience navigating complex, regulated environments.
In an interview with Fortune earlier this year, Davis revealed her focus at JPMorgan. She’s dedicating her time to understanding the company’s internal and external risks, including the intricate web of geopolitical factors that can impact the financial landscape. Her vigilant approach ensures that JPMorgan remains resilient in the face of uncertainty, a testament to her dedication to steering the ship in turbulent waters.
