James A. Runde is an American investment banker, author and corporate director specializing in strategic and financial advice. He is an advisory director and former vice-chairman of Morgan Stanley. In May 2014, Runde celebrated a rare milestone on Wall Street: 40 years as an investment banker, all at the same firm. Runde is one of America's longest-serving investment bankers at a single institution, and was honored by Morgan Stanley for his length of service as well as ongoing contributions to the firm. Over the course of his career, he has served as a trusted advisor to many of the world's leading companies, with a focus on the transportation and infrastructure industries. He has been a member of the board of directors of The Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest grocery retail chains a