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Who was Mike Wassmer?
Mike Wassmer was the president of Capital One’s Card division, a position he held since May 2020. He joined the company in 1994 as a business analyst and rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential and respected leaders in the financial industry. He was also the market president for Central Virginia, where he lived with his family and contributed to various community and charitable causes.
Mike Wassmer was born in 1970 and graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He then pursued a Ph.D. in mathematics at Duke University, but left after earning his master’s degree to join Capital One. He was passionate about helping people improve their financial lives and creating innovative products and services for customers. He was also an avid athlete, who played football in college and ran the Boston Marathon in April 2022. He was ranked as one of the top CrossFit athletes in the world.
Mike Wassmer was married and had three children. He was described by his colleagues and friends as a humble, kind, and generous person, who always elevated others and inspired them to achieve their best. He was a beloved and transformational leader, who left a lasting legacy at Capital One and beyond.
What happened to Mike Wassmer?
On June 16, 2022, Mike Wassmer passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. The news of his death shocked and saddened many people, who expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and other platforms. The cause of his death was not disclosed publicly, but some reports suggested that he was suffering from a terminal illness that he kept secret from most people.
The founder and CEO of Capital One, Rich Fairbank, shared the tragic news with the associates in an email, saying:
“Today, I’m reaching out to share some terribly sad news. Our colleague Mike Wassmer unexpectedly passed away early this morning.
There are no words to express the sorrow that I feel and I know many of you are grieving with me today.
Mike was one of the first leaders at Capital One, joining us in 1994 right after graduating from Duke with a Masters in Mathematics. I remember personally interviewing Mike and how impressed I was with his brilliance and his compelling personal journey. I knew he was headed for greatness.”
He also praised Mike’s achievements, contributions, and character, saying:
“Mike was a pioneer, an innovator, and a leader. He helped build so much of what we have become today. And he did it all with his trademark humility, elevating others all around him. We learned from him, we were inspired by him, he made us better.
Mike’s big heart extended well beyond Capital One. In recent years, Mike eagerly took on the role of Market President for Central Virginia, deepening the roots he and his family had laid down in his adopted hometown of Richmond. He served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children, The Faison Center, and the Full Circle Grief Center. Mike was the driving force behind our unique 1717 Innovation Center, which has helped scores of start-ups find their footing.
We will also always remember Mike as an inspirational athlete. Mike walked on to the football team at Lafayette College in 1988 and he never stopped pursuing athletic greatness. Just this past April, Mike accomplished a life-long dream of running the Boston Marathon and he was perennially ranked as one of the top CrossFit athletes in the world.”
He concluded his message by saying:
“Mike’s passing is a profound loss for all of us who knew him and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Please join me in keeping Mike’s wife, children, family, friends, and teammates in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The email was later published on Capital One’s website.
How did people react to Mike Wassmer’s death?
Many people who knew or worked with Mike Wassmer expressed their grief and admiration for him on social media and other platforms. Some examples are:
- “I am heartbroken to hear about Mike Wassmer’s passing. He was a great leader, mentor, colleague & friend to so many @CapitalOne & beyond. His legacy will live on through his amazing family & all those whose lives he touched.” – Jennifer Jackson, President of Capital One Canada
- “I’m deeply saddened by this news. Mike Wassmer was an incredible leader who cared deeply about our customers & associates @CapitalOne . He will be greatly missed.” – Sanjiv Yajnik, President of Financial Services at Capital One
- “Mike Wassmer was one of my first mentors at Capital One – he taught me so much about leadership & life – he will be greatly missed by so many.” – Amy Lenander, CEO of Capital One UK
- “Mike Wassmer was a friend, a mentor, and a leader. He was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. He made a huge impact on me and countless others at Capital One and beyond. I will miss him dearly.” – Ryan Schneider, Chief Executive Officer at Realogy Holdings Corp.
- “Mike Wassmer was an amazing human being. He was smart, humble, kind, generous, and inspiring. He was a role model for me and many others at Capital One and in the community. He left this world too soon, but his legacy will live on.” – Andy Navarrete, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Capital One
What is the legacy of Mike Wassmer?
Mike Wassmer’s legacy is evident in the many lives he touched and the many achievements he accomplished. He was a visionary leader, who helped shape Capital One into one of the most successful and innovative financial companies in the world. He was a passionate advocate, who helped millions of people improve their financial lives and access opportunities. He was a generous philanthropist, who supported various causes and organizations that made a positive difference in the society. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who cherished his family and friends above all.
Mike Wassmer’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate many people to follow his example and pursue their dreams with courage, integrity, and excellence. He will be remembered as a remarkable person, who made the world a better place.
