Brian R. Banks
Vice President, Corporate Real Estate Automatic Data Processing, Roseland, N.J. Age: 37
Accomplishing the extraordinary is all in a day’s work for Brian R. Banks. Vice president of corporate real estate for New Jersey-based Automatic Data Processing, one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing services, Banks formulates the company’s facilities management strategy; manages the operations and functions of facilities management; negotiates vendor contracts for food service, security and maintenance; and ensures the effective operations of all U.S. and international facilities.
He previously was executive director of operations at The New York Times Co., where he managed all of the company’s New York properties, oversaw construction of its 52-story corporate headquarters; orchestrated the massive move to the new headquarters; and managed the closing of several offices, including one of New York’s oldest buildings. “I did everything but write the articles,” he says. His success is driven by an unstoppable can-do attitude steeped in the belief that “the impossible is a great place to start.”
At 14, Banks was the youngest African-American Boy Scout to receive Eagle Scout honor. He earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University. Since then, he has forged relationships with C-suite executives of billion-dollar companies, taken on some of the most daunting work assignments and constantly striven to outperform his latest feat. He plans to retire at 50. Until then, he will focus on impacting business from the boardroom. “Achieving tactical results is important, but affecting systemic change in business begins at the table,” he explains.
Quote: "Discipline of the process yields success."
Fun Facts
Favorite food: Jerk chicken
What actor should play you in a movie: Taye Diggs
Tattoos: Two
Favorite sports team: New England Patriots
What artist would you go on tour with: Run DMC
First job: Dishwasher at Ponderosa Steakhouse
Favorite comedian: Richard Pryor
SUV or Hybrid: SUV
Favorite charity: Making Books Sing
