Moelis & Co. leadership change signals a major shift as Ken Moelis steps down as CEO. He will hand over the role to his longtime partner, Navid Mahmoodzadegan. This move comes as Moelis prepares to become executive chair starting October 1.
Ken Moelis co-founded the bank in 2007 and has led it since its inception. Over four decades, Moelis built a strong reputation as a top dealmaker in finance. His background includes working as a senior executive at UBS and advising former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Now, Moelis plans to ensure a smooth transition by following a strategy similar to other Wall Street banks like Morgan Stanley and Lazard. By staying on as executive chair, he will guide the new leadership. Meanwhile, Co-founder and Co-President Jeff Raich will take on the role of executive vice chair.
The CEO-designate, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, has been a crucial figure at Moelis & Co. for years. He helped build the bank alongside Moelis and currently serves as Co-President. Before that, Mahmoodzadegan was the global head of media investment banking at UBS between 2001 and 2007. He also practiced law before entering investment banking and holds a degree from Harvard.
Moelis described this leadership change as “the right moment to elevate the next generation.” He emphasized the importance of creating new opportunities for growth within the company. He also called the transition “the smoothest ever in Wall Street history.”
Financially, Ken Moelis earned $16 million in 2024, up from $9 million in 2023, according to proxy filings. The succession at a firm closely tied to its founder can often be complicated. However, Moelis expressed confidence in Mahmoodzadegan’s ability to lead the company forward.
Moelis & Co. belongs to a group of boutique investment banks founded by star bankers who left large firms. Unlike universal banks, Moelis focuses mainly on providing deal advice rather than offering broad financial services.
With this Moelis & Co. leadership change, investors and employees expect continuity alongside fresh energy. The company positions itself to thrive in a competitive financial landscape while honoring its founding vision.
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