Richard D. Fairbank

Richard Dana Fairbank (born September 18, 1950) is the founder Chairman and CEO of Capital One (COF), a Fortune 100 company. He is one of the only five founder-CEOs among America’s largest 100 companies. Fairbank has been the CEO since Capital One’s initial public offering in November 1994 and has served as the Chairman since February 1995. 

After earning his undergraduate degree and MBA from Stanford University, Fairbank was a strategy consultant and advised leading companies on long-term business strategy and growth opportunities. He came up with the idea for Capital One in 1987, and left his consulting career to build it.

Fairbank’s vision and leadership have positioned Capital One as a leading data and technology company and the company has been recognized as one of the most cloud-forward companies in the world. The Company serves more than 100 million customers, has built an iconic and respected brand, and has been recognized for being one of the best places to work.

Fairbank has over three decades of experience in banking and financial services. As the founder and CEO of Capital One, he is knowledgeable about all aspects of the company’s strategies, capabilities and culture. His qualifications as a director include his deep understanding of Capital One and his broad range of skills in the areas of strategy, technology, risk management, talent, brand and shareholder engagement.

Fairbank founded Capital One (COF) with Nigel Morris in 1988. He previously served on the board of directors of MasterCard International from 2004 through 2006. He is a member of the Stanford Business School advisory council, the Financial Services Roundtable, and the board of directors of the BITS Technology Forum.