James Cayne

James E. "Jimmy" Cayne (born February 14, 1934) is an American businessman, a former CEO of Bear Stearns and world-class bridge player. After losing about one billion dollars in net worth from the collapse of Bear Stearns' stock, he sold his entire stake in the company for $61 million. CNBC named Cayne as one of the "Worst American CEOs of All Time". Cayne grew up in Evanston, Illinois. His father was a patent attorney. Cayne attended Purdue University, but he left before graduating to join the United States Army. His first job was as a traveling salesman selling photocopiers in the Midwest. He subsequently sold scrap iron and municipal bonds. In 1969, in New York City, he was playing bridge full time when fellow bridge-player Alan...