==============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 9, 1996
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
----------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 1-7657 13-4922250
------------------------------- -------------- ------------
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification)
American Express Tower, World Financial Center
New York, New York 10285
----------------------------------------------- --------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, (212) 640-2000
including area code --------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
==============================================================================<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
On January 9, 1996, American Express Company issued a press release,
a portion of which follows:
NEW YORK -- January 9, 1996 -- John A. Ward has been appointed
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express Bank, a subsidiary of
the American Express Company.
Mr. Ward, a 27-year-veteran of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, most
recently was Executive Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank and Chief
Executive Officer of Chase Bankcard Services.
Mr. Ward, 49, joined Chase in 1969 as a credit trainee and
subsequently held a number of positions both in the U.S. and overseas. He was
Credit and Marketing Manager for Japan in the early 1970's and in 1977 moved
to London where he was head of Trade and Export Finance in Europe and the
Middle East. He later was named Senior Vice President and Credit Officer for
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In 1987, Mr. Ward was named Credit Policy
Officer of Chase's Individual Bank based in New York. He became President of
Chase Personal Financial Services in 1991 ad was named to his most recent
position in 1993.
Mr. Ward succeeds Steven D. Goldstein, who resigned to pursue other
opportunities. Mr. Goldstein, 44, informed the Company of his desire to
resign at the time discussions regarding a possible sale of the Bank were
concluded several months ago. He agreed to remain with the Company until a
successor was identified.
Mr. Goldstein will remain with the Company for a period of time to
assist with a smooth transition.
Mr. Ward holds a B.S. degree from Boston College and an M.B.A. from
the Wharton Graduate School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania.
Established in 1919, American Express Bank is an international bank
providing commercial banking, correspondent banking, private banking and
consumer financial services through offices in 36 countries.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
By: /s/ Stephen P. Norman
-------------------------
Name: Stephen P. Norman
Title: Secretary
Dated: January 11, 1996