Robert Edwin Denham (August 27, 1945 – March 15, 2025) was an American lawyer known for crisis management at struggling companies.[1] Denham worked withWarren Buffet to reformSalomon Brothers and prevent its insolvency after a bids-rigging scandal. He continued as chairman and CEO of the firm until a $9 billion sale toTravelers Group.[1]
Denham was born on August 27, 1945 in Dallas. He was raised in Abilene.[1]
He graduatedmagna cum laude from theUniversity of Texas and received aJuris Doctor degree from theHarvard Law School and an M.A. in Government from theJohn F. Kennedy School of Government atHarvard University.[2]
He was a partner in the law firmMunger, Tolles & Olson from 1973 to 1991, and again from 1998.[2][3][4] He served as Chief Executive Officer ofSalomon Brothers from 1992 to 1997.[3][4] He is on the Board of Directors of theNew York Times Company,Oaktree Capital Management,UGL,FEMSA andChevron Corporation.[2][3][4]
He was the Chairman of theJohn D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Vice Chairman of theGood Samaritan Hospital ofLos Angeles.[3] He was a trustee of theJames Irvine Foundation, theNew Village Charter High School and theRussell Sage Foundation.[3]
He died of cancer on March 15, 2025.[1]