Gerard Long

Following a dramatic encounter with God in 1980, Gerard lives with one burning ambition – to please the Lord Jesus and to obey His will. He planned to build on his success as a runner and businessman but, after his encounter with God, he felt a calling to serve in a church in North London. He was at this church for 22 years, including 17 as a pastor, while also working in the banking and finance industry. Gerard holds a BSc (Honors) Banking and Finance degree and worked for HSBC (one of the largest banks in the world) for 30 years, retiring at the end of 2006 as SVP. His banking career took him around the world and included some fascinating roles including Director of the Year 2000 Program (Millennium Bug) for the UK and Europe. In 2001, he was moved to New York to launch a global product and then he was moved to Chicago to lead the integration of HSBC and Household International, following the latter’s $13.8 billion purchase in 2003. He appeared on TV and in major newspapers both as an advisor on the Millennium Bug (Y2K) and as a Christian living for Jesus Christ in the City of London. All through his banking career, Gerard sought to introduce his colleagues to Christ and lead many Alpha courses in the workplace. Prior to moving to the US, he was also Chairman of Christians in Finance (founded in 1875). Gerard lives with his wife in Illinois. His daughter also works for Alpha USA and his son works in the City of London, UK. To relax, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, his two Golden Retrievers, golf, skiing, tennis and gardening.