Kevin Warsh will not be the Fed 'chair.' His immediate predecessors were

• The Federal Reserve website now officially lists Warsh as 'chairman,' marking a return to the title used exclusively before Yellen's tenure in 2014
• The change occurs as Republicans have criticized gender-neutral language policies, while the House officially adopted such language in 2021 under Nancy Pelosi
• A 2024 Bloomberg analysis found 185 S&P 500 companies use gender-neutral language, triple the number from four years earlier, though major banks still use 'chairmen'

Summary: Kevin Warsh Opts for "Chairman" Title at Federal Reserve

Key Development:

Kevin Warsh will be addressed as "Chairman" of the Federal Reserve, reversing 12 years of precedent set by his predecessors Janet Yellen and Jerome Powell, who both used the gender-neutral title "Chair." Warsh will hold his first Fed meeting next week in Washington.

Title Background:

• No law or regulation mandates the title; it remains a personal preference
• The Federal Reserve Act references "chairman" and "vice chairman"
• Before Yellen's tenure, "chairman" was used exclusively
• In 2021, the House adopted gender-neutral language under Speaker Nancy Pelosi, changing "chairman" to "chair"
• Current House maintains gender-neutral rules, though Republicans have criticized DEI initiatives

Corporate Landscape:

A 2024 Bloomberg analysis found 185 S&P 500 companies using gender-neutral language—triple the number from four years earlier. However, major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo continue using "chairmen." Citigroup uses "chair."

Market Context:

President Trump appointed Warsh to lead the central bank as the administration pursues lower interest rates. Warsh will testify before Senate and House Banking Chairs using the "Chairman" title when conducting semi-annual congressional testimony.

Expert Perspective:

Alicia Syrett, founder of Chairs & Leads, downplayed the significance, stating it's a "personal decision" comparable to women choosing between "chairwoman" or "chair" based on individual preference.

The title change appears largely symbolic, reflecting personal choice rather than policy shift, though it aligns with broader Republican pushback against gender-neutral terminology.