‘Curse of Jamie’s Heir’ strikes again

One of Jamie Dimon’s top lieutenants at JPMorgan Chase — who had been considered among the most likely to succeed him as chief executive — is unexpectedly leaving the Wall Street bank, according to a Wednesday internal memo obtained by The Post.

Matt Zames, a 13-year veteran who rose to the rank of chief operating officer, had been in the role for more than four years. He and Dimon, who has been CEO since 2006, were known to have had a good relationship, according to a company insider.

With Zames’ departure, the two most likely people to succeed Dimon are Dan- iel Pinto, CEO of JPMorgan’s corporate and investment bank, and Gordon Smith, CEO of consumer and community banking, the source said.

However, Dimon — who has long said that he will leave in about five years, yet held onto his job through a bout of throat cancer — has frustrated plenty of supposed heirs apparent.

Just ask Michael Cavanagh, chief financial officer of Comcast; Charlie Scharf, former Visa CEO; or Jes Staley, Barclays’ CEO — all former JPM execs who had been rumored to be in line for the throne.

It isn’t clear exactly what Zames’ next plans are, but he had made it clear that he wanted to run a company, the source said.

“Jamie has been a true mentor to me, and it has been a privilege to be a member of his team. I’m confident I will continue to benefit from his guidance and wisdom in the future,” Zames, 49, wrote in the memo that was sent to bank employees.

In Zames’ role, he not only oversaw the technology and day-to-day operations at the House of Morgan, but also the treasury and the investment office.

His responsibilities are being spread out among other top executives at the bank, and there is no immediate plan to fill the COO-role.

“While I am sad to see him leave, I respect his decision and all he has done for JPMorgan Chase,” Dimon said in the memo.