JOHN L. THORNTON is Professor and Director, Global Leadership Program, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. Mr. Thornton retired as president and co-chief operating officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. in July 2003. He was also a member of the firm's board of directors and its management committee.
Mr. Thornton was chairman of Goldman Sachs-Asia from 1996-1998 and served previously as co-chief executive of Goldman Sachs International, the firm's business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Thornton joined Goldman Sachs in 1980 and was named a partner in 1988. Mr. Thornton continues to serve as senior advisor to Goldman Sachs. He was elected to Ford's Board in 1996.