Alice Gao ’94 MBA

Ms. Gao serves as the Senior Vice President & Head of Cross Border Commercial Banking at East West Bank, one of the largest US commercial banks. She exclusively focuses on the U.S. and Greater China, the world’s two largest markets and is responsible for leading a multi-functional, global team.

Expertise

Prior to joining East West Bank in 2021, Ms. Gao served in Senior Management positions at ICBC USA, a subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations. Before ICBC, she led the West Coast Credit Approval team at HSBC USA and was Vice President at Bank of the West, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas Group.

Ms. Gao has received numerous honors in her banking career and is a frequent speaker before industry groups and conferences, including Meet the Money, MIT World Real Estate Forum, ULI Annual Emerging Trends Conference, and Women Executive Forum.

A seasoned banker, compelling leader and mentor in the commercial banking sector, Alice inspires her team and clients with her passion for driving strong business results by helping ambitious business owners and organizations to find ways to grow their business.

Education

Ms. Gao received Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Arts in Literature before she received her MBA from the University of New Haven. She also completed the Advanced Executive Leadership Program at Stanford University.

In addition to her service to the Board of Governors, Ms. Gao serves on the Pompea College of Business Advisory Board. In 2014, she received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of New Haven.