Who is John Gutfreund from Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist and what is their importance?

John Gutfreund was the CEO of Salomon Brothers and an effective manager, in Warren Buffett's eyes. Buffett particularly appreciated Gutfreund's integrity. Gutfreund's big mistake was not reporting an illegal bid of one of his managers to the SEC and the Treasury Department. It eventually cost him his job, severance and benefits, and Buffett had to step in and run the company for a period of time. Buffett was saddened that Gutfreund had gotten himself into such a position but, if the company was to survive, his ouster was the only solution.