Executive vice president, head of corporate banking Midwest region
PNC Bank | Milwaukee
Christopher Goller is executive vice president and head of corporate banking for the Midwest region for Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank, where he is responsible for leading a team of senior bankers providing financing, capital markets services, treasury management, asset management services and corporate advisory services. Goller sits on the boards of the United Community Center, United Performing Arts Fund, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Education: Bachelor’s and MBA, Marquette University; graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington in Seattle
Playlist for commute/run: “I love listening to the BBC podcast ‘In Our Time,’ which provides storytelling in an easy, simple format that allows me to just sit, listen and absorb stimulating topics on history and life.”
If you could time travel: “If I could, I would love to be transported to the Ice Bowl, one of the most iconic games in NFL history, played between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys on December 31, 1967, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.”
Thing to learn this year: “I would like to expand my travel to a new, unfamiliar destination and learn more about their way of life and culture. Croatia is on the top of the list.”
Favorite movie: “One that I watch every Christmas is ‘The Bishop’s Wife,’ a classic from 1947 starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Banking and Finance
Executive vice president and co-head of middle market and large corporate banking
PNC Bank | Milwaukee
In 2021, Chris Goller took over corporate banking for PNC Bank’s Midwest Region, a six-state territory. Previously, he was PNC’s regional president for Wisconsin for nearly a decade. One of the largest financial services institutions nationally, PNC is among the top 10 largest banks in the state by deposit market share. Goller is immediate past chair of the Froedtert Hospital Foundation board and a member of the United Community Center and United Performing Arts Fund boards.
Education: Bachelor’s and MBA, Marquette University; graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington in Seattle
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“My first job was having an early morning paper route delivering the Milwaukee Sentinel in Waukesha County. I was 14 and would wake up at 5:30 a.m., rain, snow or sleet, and walk the route hoisting the carrying tote on one shoulder. I had 45 minutes to get the job done and then come back home, eat and go to school. While I had to dodge a few barking dogs, I would try to either land the paper on a front porch or drop it inside the mailbox. This job taught me to find value in being an early riser and getting things done – ultimately – to appreciate that the early bird gets the worm.
“I think there have been several people along my journey who shared long-lasting advice, but the most impactful are my father’s words. There are several nuggets he would impart, but most often I can hear him telling me ‘Be willing to sacrifice some things to build the career you want,’ and ‘Live your life, not someone else’s.’ Those have resonated most with me as I often remind myself during career milestones and in trying to juggle work-life balance.”
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Warren Buffett. I admire his career as a long-term, visionary investor and an active philanthropist who gives away his wealth. Winston Churchill. He was a great leader under fire.”
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why?
“I love listening to the BBC podcast “In Our Time”, which provides storytelling in an easy, simple format that allows me to just sit, listen and absorb stimulating topics on history and life. Certainly, a welcome break to a busy life surrounded by smart phones and emails.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“I love going to Zarletti‘s downtown (Milwaukee) and ordering my favorite dish, Bolognese with homemade pasta. Hands down the best.”
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“A 1977 Malibu station wagon, which I shared with my twin brother. It had no air conditioning, the grill was duct-taped together and the heat sometimes worked. We had it for three years until it died.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Work hard and play hard – you need both in the long term. Find ways to continue nurturing personal relationships – because in the end – all that really matters are people. And people do business with people they know.”
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“I have a special place in my heart for The United Community Center. I’ve been honored to serve on their board over the years and get to know the leaders, the hard-working teachers and families who benefit from the critical services they provide. The commitment to our community and helping people from birth through old age is truly remarkable.”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“I would like to see the Milwaukee Brewers win a World Series.”
What has you most excited about the future?
“There is a lot to be excited about the future, especially when I think of the future in financial services. COVID-19 accelerated the virtual experience and ushered in a new way to conduct business, but we know that forming and nurturing relationships away from technology really does matter. I think that blockchain, has and will transform the way that our financial institutions operate, creating better, faster, easier, and less costly results for consumers and businesses. It will be a win-win.”
