why are some PE BB CEOs practically celebrities and others non-existant?

Think GS JPM KKR BX JEF: everyone knows DJ Sol, Jamie Dimon, Stephen Schwarzman.

But, without google could I name any CEO of Citi, DB, Barc, WF, EVR, CVP, GH, WP, TPG, CDR, ... honestly, no.

Do these people even exist? Why do they eschew the lime light yet want to take the gig at the top? Shouldn't they be front in center of all investors and the media (and of course jackasses such as myself on WSO)?

Is there a prestige ranking even among CEOs of BB PEs (think dj sol gets the invite to davos, saudi conferences, coachella but jane fraser (citi ceo) gets snubbed)

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DSol and Handler are well known because they seek out attention beyond what they would gain due to their success/position.  Dimon and Schwarzman are well known because they are modern day titans of the financial system. When someone like Jamie speaks, you should probably be listening, hence why he is well known. When viewed through the lens of running a bank and not just a firm trying to collect fees, pretty hard to argue against Jamie being the king of wall street.

My impression is that the lesser known leaders simply don't seek out the attention, and haven't yet garnered the reputation/influence to make them well known no matter what they do.

 

Bizarre question but I'll bite.

One that comes to mind is Steve Pagliuca at Bain Capital. This is mostly due to his involvement with sports team such as the Celtics or his recent bids on soccer clubs. Also having worked under Romney who is high profile for obvious reasons. I wouldn't say he's necessarily a finance celebrity the same way Jamie Dimon is, but he's decently well known especially in DC, NY, and Boston circles.

 

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