SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox Announces GardaWorld Founder, President, and CEO Stephan Crétier as 2026 Summer Graduate School Session Keynote Speaker

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB), a nationally renowned source for banking executive education, has announced that GardaWorld Founder, President and CEO Stephan Crétier will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 summer graduate school session, May 26–June 5, 2026.

“Stephan Crétier’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and disciplined leadership—qualities that resonate deeply with the mission of SWGSB and the executives we serve,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO.

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Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an initial investment of $25,000, secured through a second mortgage on his home. Guided by his entrepreneurial vision and relentless drive, he transformed a small regional security business into one of the world’s largest privately owned security and risk management companies, with operations in over 500 locations worldwide and 132,000 employees globally. Crétier was the 2025 recipient of the International Horatio Alger Award, a distinction that recognizes exceptional leaders who have overcome adversity through perseverance and integrity to achieve outstanding success and who inspire others through their example.

“Stephan Crétier’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and disciplined leadership—qualities that resonate deeply with the mission of SWGSB and the executives we serve,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “We are honored to welcome him as our keynote speaker and look forward to the inspiration and practical insight he will share with our students and alumni.”

Approximately 300 bankers will convene on the SMU campus for the summer session of SWGSB’s flagship three-year graduate program, which stands among the nation’s leading banking schools. This rigorous, immersive course of study blends advanced case work, a strategically designed curriculum, and collaborative learning experiences that prepare high-performing bankers for expanded leadership at the highest levels of the profession.

Through three intensive summer resident sessions, participants gain not only expertise and perspective, but also entry into a powerful national network of peers and mentors. The relationships formed and the insights gained extend far beyond the classroom—strengthening institutions, elevating communities, and shaping careers for decades to come. Registration is open at swgsb.org/summer2026.

ABOUT THE SW GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BANKING AT SMU COX

Since 1957, the nationally recognized SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) has educated and empowered community bankers in all positions, regulators, experienced, new, and aspiring bank directors, and other financial services professionals with knowledge and relationships that strengthen careers, organizations, and communities. SWGSB is a nationally recognized leader in banking and commercial lending education, bank management training, and bank director training programs. Learn more at swgsb.org or call 214.768.2991 for more information.