J. Mariner Kemper
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
UMB Financial Corp.
Mariner Kemper is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for UMB Financial Corporation. During his more than 13 years with the company, Mr. Kemper has served many roles including President of UMB Bank Colorado and Executive Vice President of UMB Financial Corporation. He has been in his current role since May 2004.
Under Mr. Kemper’s leadership, UMB continues its claim as one of the largest independent banks in America and remains fiercely committed to its customers. Since 1913, UMB has provided a wide range of products and services that help customers reach their financial dreams. UMB operates with the highest integrity and focus on growing clients’ business and investments and controlling their financial risks.
Because UMB operates transparently and responsibly, the company’s financial portfolios remain resilient and sound. As Mr. Kemper states, “We have some of the most intelligent and experienced people in the financial industry who truly understand how to manage relationships – creating comfort and trust with customers. I’m proud to say that for more than 95 years, we have remained a safe, stable and strong financial services company built to survive and thrive in all times.”
A Kansas City native, Mr. Kemper plays an important role in both civic and philanthropic endeavors. He is involved in a variety of organizations, but one of the causes he is most passionate about is the arts. He currently serves as a trustee for the Denver Art Museum and as a board member for The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City.
His first large leadership role for the arts came in the late 1990s when he was appointed Campaign Chairperson for the Commission on Art, Culture & Film in Denver. During that time, he was instrumental in bringing a significant amount of art to public construction projects such as the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Denver Public Library. As a trustee for the Denver Art Museum, Mariner co-chairs the Corporate Committee.
In addition to his passion for the arts, Mr. Kemper also is involved with several other civic and philanthropic initiatives. His involvement includes board member for the American Royal in Kansas City, member of the Kansas City Civic Council, member of the Kansas City Downtown Council, board member of the Denver Public Schools Foundation and board member of National Jewish Health, among others.
Professionally, Mr. Kemper also has continued this charitable legacy through his business practices. One of UMB’s core philosophies is its commitment to the communities it serves. In addition to providing a solid portfolio of financial products, the company also has utilized associate volunteerism and corporate philanthropy to build a reputation as a strong community partner.
Under Mr. Kemper’s leadership, the company continues to emphasize expansion of access and appreciation of the arts, furthering economic development, advancing educational opportunities, agriculture, and promoting health and wellness. UMB recently added sustainability as a core focus as well.
Mr. Kemper is a frequent resource for local and national media. He was recently a special guest on Bloomberg Television, and a featured columnist in the Kansas City, St. Louis and Denver Business Journals. Mr. Kemper and UMB have been featured in banking and finance stories for SmartMoney, Reuters, The Denver Post and The Kansas City Star, among others.
A graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Kemper has received several accolades including Denver Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and 5280 Magazine’s “22 to Watch in 2002.”