Ron Bloom

Through his sophisticated and pragmatic approach to negotiations, Ron Bloom has earned a reputation as a problem-solver who works tirelessly to create viable companies and preserve good-paying jobs. The former assistant to the president for manufacturing policy, his knowledge of both business and labor issues is the reason President Obama originally tapped him to be a key adviser on auto issues. With his vast experience as an investment banker, a negotiator for unions, and the head of the Auto Task Force, Bloom addresses manufacturing, its role in the American economy, the politics of and the government’s involvement in manufacturing, auto policy, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and American competitiveness. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.

Auto Restructuring. In February 2009, Bloom was named senior advisor to the secretary of the Treasury on the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, where he helped lead the reorganization of General Motors and Chrysler. An experienced dealmaker, Bloom played a key role in the negotiations, utilizing his strategy of shared sacrifice. He also oversaw the initial public offering of GM, the largest IPO in U.S. history. President Obama later introduced Bloom as the administration’s senior counselor for manufacturing policy. As such, Bloom worked closely with the National Economic Council to develop policies that would revitalize the manufacturing sector. He was also instrumental in the formulation of the Framework for Revitalizing Manufacturing.

Bloom later served as the assistant to the President for manufacturing policy at the White House. During this time, Bloom forged an agreement between the federal government and leading automakers to set new fuel economy standards. The White House estimates that these standards will save consumers $1.7 trillion and reduce oil consumption by 12 billion barrels. Bloom also oversaw the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, an initiative designed to invest in the emerging technologies that will make U.S. manufacturers more economically competitive.

Praise. Bloom has been praised for his role in the auto industry restructurings and for his work as senior counselor for manufacturing policy. He was named as one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” (in the category of World Leaders). Of Bloom, Bill Saporito wrote that “his role in brokering the rescue of General Motors and Chrysler while preserving more than 100,000 jobs demanded a synergist who could work both sides of the equation with authority and respect.”

Investment Banking. After earning an MBA with distinction from the Harvard Business School, Ron Bloom worked at investment banking firms, where he represented unions and employee groups in turnaround and restructuring situations. His work was covered by major publications, including Bloomberg Businessweek and The Wall Street Journal. He is currently a senior advisor at Lazard.