A Moment in Bank History

European Outstanding Employee
of the Year, Summer 1994
 

Speaker Wasn't Such a Role Model 

 
By Richard Ingham
 
Not all meetings were for the corporate and product officers of the Bank. The EMEA established an annual event to recognize outstanding contributions from staff across Europe, nominated by country management. The meetings involved various activities and a dinner during which awards were made. 
 
The people attending were invited for their work over the year and contribution to Chase's success.
 
In 1994, the event was held on the Brocket Estate where Brocket Hall was the home of the 3rd Baron Brocket – Charlie Brocket.
 
The photo below features Lord Brocket showing off his collection of Ferraris to the Chase team. At one point in the early 1990s, he owned a total of 42 Ferraris.
 
 
 
 
Lord Charlie Brocket, once known for his lavish lifestyle, made headlines in the 1990s when he tried to solve his money problems by literally burying a few of his Ferraris on his estate and pretending they'd been stolen.
 
Unsurprisingly, the plan backfired spectacularly. The truth surfaced faster than his cars did. Caught Ferrari-red-handed (and probably a bit muddy), Charlie Brocket was sentenced to five years in prison, proving that even a lord can't just plant Ferraris and expect them to grow into cash.
 
 
Below: Dimitri Comnas is at the far left. Richard Ingham (organizer that year) is in the middle without a jacket. Brian Crowe is seated on the right. Let us know if you can identify the other two people in the photo.
 
 

Comments 

 
This is an excerpt from the commemorative brochure created for the May 10, 2025 luncheon in London, gathering Chase alumni who had worked in the UK or on the Continent.
 
Send comments or your own idea for an "A  Moment in Bank History" story to Andrea at news@chasealum.org.