In Memory of Felix Rohatyn

The French-American Foundation mourns the loss of Felix G. Rohatyn, Board Member and former US Ambassador to France, who passed away on December 14 at the age of 91. A staunch supporter of our efforts and a friend of the Foundation for nearly three decades, he will be greatly missed by our staff, Board, and wider community.

Ambassador Rohatyn was a prominent financier widely known for his role in rescuing New York City during the financial crisis of the 1970s. His expansive career in investment banking began in 1948 at Lazard, where he remained until his nomination as US Ambassador to France from 1997 to 2000 under President Bill Clinton.

Throughout his life, his roles included Chairman of the Municipal Assistance Corporation of the City of New York, member of the Board of Governors of the New York Stock Exchange, member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Board Member of LVMH and Publicis Groupe SA. He was a trusted advisor to many and a writer of essays and books on policy and finance.

Ambassador Rohatyn was a Board Member of the French-American Foundation for nearly 20 years and a member of our community for nearly 30 alongside his late wife Elizabeth Rohatyn. He and Elizabeth received the Benjamin Franklin Award at the Foundation’s 2010 Gala in New York City for their commitment to the transatlantic relationship. Among the many honors he received throughout his life, he was a commander in the French Légion d’Honneur.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family.

• Felix G. Rohatyn, Financier Who Piloted New York’s Rescue, Dies at 91, New York Times
• Mort de Félix Rohatyn, ancien ambassadeur des Etats-Unis en France et légende de la finance, Le Monde