Gary Mulgrew
Gary Mulgrew is a British figure known for his multifaceted career spanning banking, human resources, and authorship. His life story encompasses high-stakes international finance, a dramatic legal ordeal involving extradition to the United States, and a deeply personal quest to locate his missing daughter, as chronicled in his acclaimed memoir.[2][3]
Early Career in Banking
Mulgrew's professional journey began in 1983 when he joined NatWest Bank.
Over the next two decades, he held positions in key global financial hubs, including Manchester, London, Tokyo, and New York. This international exposure honed his expertise in cross-border banking operations.[2]
In 2000, he transitioned to the Royal Bank of Canada, continuing his work in high-profile financial environments.
His time in these roles positioned him at the intersection of global finance and regulatory challenges, setting the stage for later events.[2]
Enron Scandal and Extradition
Mulgrew gained public notoriety as one of three British bankers extradited to the United States in connection with the Enron scandal.
Accused alongside colleagues David Bermingham and Giles Darby, he faced charges related to an alleged conspiracy in a 2001 deal where NatWest allegedly purchased shares in Enron affiliate LJM2 at inflated prices.[3]
Despite the ordeal, Mulgrew and his co-defendants were acquitted in 2006 after a trial in Houston, Texas.
He later reflected on the prison experience, describing the psychological toll and cultural shock of incarceration in the U.S. system. "It was a world apart," he noted in interviews, highlighting the loss of freedom and family separation.[3]
Human Resources Expertise
Following his return to the UK, Mulgrew pivoted to human resources, emerging as a seasoned professional.
He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), with extensive experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America.
Over a decade in Asia Pacific, he served as Regional HR Manager for a major communications company, overseeing operations in central Japan. Back in London, his work extended into technology and financial services, covering employee relations, employment law, and broader HR disciplines.[1]
Authorship and Personal Story
Mulgrew's memoir, Gang of One: One Man's Incredible Battle to Find his Missing Daughter, published by Hachette UK, recounts his relentless search for his daughter amid personal and professional turmoil.
Shortlisted for the 2013 Political Book Awards in the International Affairs Book of the Year category, the book blends raw emotion with investigative grit.
It's a tale of one father's unyielding determination, weaving in elements of his banking past and legal battles. Readers praise its authenticity: "A gripping account of loss, fight, and redemption," capturing Mulgrew's resilience.[2]
Professional Roles and Achievements
| Period | Role | Location/Organization | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-2000 | Banker | NatWest Bank (Manchester, London, Tokyo, NY) | International finance |
| 2000-? | Banker | Royal Bank of Canada | Global operations |
| Post-2007 | Regional HR Manager | Communications company (Japan) | Employee relations, employment law |
| Recent | HR Professional | Global Innovation Fund (London) | Tech & financial services HR |
Legacy and Impact
Today, Gary Mulgrew serves on the team at the Global Innovation Fund in London, applying his HR acumen to support innovative ventures.
His story resonates as a testament to perseverance-through corporate intrigue, legal battles, personal loss, and reinvention.
- Banking Pioneer: Navigated global finance pre- and post-scandal.
- Legal Survivor: Cleared in one of the era's high-profile extraditions.
- Author: Gang of One shortlisted for major awards.
- HR Leader: CIPD Chartered Member with worldwide expertise.
While his path has been marked by controversy, Mulgrew's contributions to HR and his candid writings offer valuable insights into resilience in turbulent times.
His experiences remind us that extraordinary narratives often emerge from ordinary professionals thrust into the extraordinary.