John W. Kemper is the President and CEO of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a role he took on in August 2018. He came from within the company, previously serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer. With a solid background in...

John W. Kemper is the President and CEO of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a role he took on in August 2018. He came from within the company, previously serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer. With a solid background in finance, John has experience consulting for major firms while working at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on strategy and operations for clients in financial services and airlines. He completed his education with notable credentials, having earned degrees from prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the London School of Economics. John is also involved in various civic organizations in the St. Louis area, showcasing his commitment to the community. Despite facing challenges in recent years, he has managed to lead Commerce Bancshares through a period of steady performance. Interestingly, his total compensation was about $5.3 million in 2022, which included a salary, other benefits, and additional compensation. His decision to remain focused on cash compensation instead of stock awards highlights his aligned interest with shareholders, aiming for substantial company performance over the long term. He is also notable for having a strong family connection to the company, being the son of the Executive Chairman and nephew of a former Chairman. John regularly engages in stock trades, where he displayed a significant increase in wealth through his holdings from 2019 to 2022, with his net worth estimated to have fluctuated between $20 million to over $32 million during that period. This illustrates the volatility and potential returns in the banking sector.