Morgan Stanley Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and Wife Die in Italian Yacht Sinking

Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International and former CEO of Prudential Plc, was confirmed as one of the casualties in the August 19th sinking of a luxury yacht off the Italian coast. He was 70 years old. His wife, Judy, was also among those who lost their lives. The couple had been guests on the superyacht Bayesian to celebrate the acquittal of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, for whom Bloomer had served as a defense witness during his trial.

The Bloomer family released a statement expressing their profound sorrow: “Our parents were remarkable individuals who were an inspiration to many, but above all, they were dedicated to their family and loved spending time with their new grandchildren. Having been together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now. This is an unimaginable loss for us. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

It is believed that six people were trapped and died inside the Bayesian when it was hit by a tornado near Porticello, Sicily.

Bloomer had been the chairman of Morgan Stanley’s European business since 2018 and was appointed as the chair of British insurer Hiscox Ltd.’s board last year. Ted Pick, CEO of Morgan Stanley, stated that Bloomer’s “leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses.” Aki Hussain, CEO of Hiscox, also paid tribute, saying it was an honor to have worked with him.

Bloomer’s career included a 20-year tenure as a partner at Arthur Andersen before he took on senior roles at Prudential Plc between 1995 and 2005. He left Prudential after disagreements with shareholders over a decision to raise capital through a rights issue. From 2006 to 2012, he worked as an operating partner at Cerberus Capital Management LP. He later pursued a portfolio career, leading the boards of various companies, including Arrow Global Group Ltd. and DWF Group Ltd.