Latest news with #Mahmoodzadegan
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moelis CEO-designate joins Wall Street in signaling dealmaking rebound after tariff pause
By Manya Saini (Reuters) -Moelis' incoming CEO Navid Mahmoodzadegan told investors on Tuesday that he is optimistic about the dealmaking environment, as confidence returns following a pause in April triggered by U.S. tariff threats. "I'm optimistic. It definitely feels better and better each day ... The announcement in April, I think set us back a little bit in terms of the M&A environment," he said at the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials Conference. Investor sentiment soured and stock markets slid after U.S. President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff threats, stalling risk appetite and slowing deal activity. Appetite for deals has since returned, with market participants and bankers once again seeing an opening for initial public offerings and signs of a pickup in M&A activity. "Everywhere I go, people want to transact. They want to lean into transactions, whether it's companies or private equity firms or capital providers," Mahmoodzadegan said. "We're seeing our clients push us to launch transactions, even if the environment isn't crystal clear." Earlier this week, Moelis said Ken Moelis would step down as CEO of the investment bank and hand the reins to Mahmoodzadegan, its co-founder and co-president. The succession marks a major step for the bank, which has been led solely by Ken Moelis since its founding in 2007. While succession at companies closely tied to founding CEOs can be challenging due to their outsized personal influence, Mahmoodzadegan said it was part of the "natural evolution of the firm." "I think Ken felt that even though he's fully active and will continue to be fully active with clients going forward ... this was a great opportunity at a great time to give more responsibility, not just to me, but to the next generation of bankers," Mahmoodzadegan added. The bank's deal pipeline currently is up from April and is as high as "it's ever been at the firm, or close to it," the CEO-designate said. The comments echo Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick's expectation of a strong end of the quarter for the bank as dealmaking and the calendar for equity capital markets are picking up. Last week, top executives at the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq also said the IPO market is gaining momentum despite the Trump administration's rapidly shifting tariff policy, adding to the industry's optimism about a meaningful recovery. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moelis CEO-designate joins Wall Street in signaling dealmaking rebound after tariff pause
By Manya Saini (Reuters) -Moelis' incoming CEO Navid Mahmoodzadegan told investors on Tuesday that he is optimistic about the dealmaking environment, as confidence returns following a pause in April triggered by U.S. tariff threats. "I'm optimistic. It definitely feels better and better each day ... The announcement in April, I think set us back a little bit in terms of the M&A environment," he said at the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials Conference. Investor sentiment soured and stock markets slid after U.S. President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff threats, stalling risk appetite and slowing deal activity. Appetite for deals has since returned, with market participants and bankers once again seeing an opening for initial public offerings and signs of a pickup in M&A activity. "Everywhere I go, people want to transact. They want to lean into transactions, whether it's companies or private equity firms or capital providers," Mahmoodzadegan said. "We're seeing our clients push us to launch transactions, even if the environment isn't crystal clear." Earlier this week, Moelis said Ken Moelis would step down as CEO of the investment bank and hand the reins to Mahmoodzadegan, its co-founder and co-president. The succession marks a major step for the bank, which has been led solely by Ken Moelis since its founding in 2007. While succession at companies closely tied to founding CEOs can be challenging due to their outsized personal influence, Mahmoodzadegan said it was part of the "natural evolution of the firm." "I think Ken felt that even though he's fully active and will continue to be fully active with clients going forward ... this was a great opportunity at a great time to give more responsibility, not just to me, but to the next generation of bankers," Mahmoodzadegan added. The bank's deal pipeline currently is up from April and is as high as "it's ever been at the firm, or close to it," the CEO-designate said. The comments echo Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick's expectation of a strong end of the quarter for the bank as dealmaking and the calendar for equity capital markets are picking up. Last week, top executives at the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq also said the IPO market is gaining momentum despite the Trump administration's rapidly shifting tariff policy, adding to the industry's optimism about a meaningful recovery.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Navid Mahmoodzadegan to Take CEO Reins at Top Media Investment Bank Moelis & Co.
Navid Mahmoodzadegan will succeed Ken Moelis as CEO of global independent investment bank Moelis & Co. The firm has been at the center of many high-profile entertainment and media transactions, including Skydance Media's pending $8 billion merger deal with Paramount Global. Moelis, who has served as CEO since the firm's launch in 2007, will assume the role of executive chairman and continue to advise clients on critical strategic decisions. Mahmoodzadegan, who has served as co-founder and co-president, will also join Moelis & Co.'s board of directors. Co-founder and co-president Jeff Raich, meanwhile, will become executive vice chairman and continue to lead key business areas. The changes will become effective on Oct. 1, 2025. More from Variety CBS News' Scott Pelley: Settlement With Trump Would be 'Very Damaging' to CBS and Paramount Paramount Global, With Skydance Deal and Trump Lawsuit Pending, Names Three New Board Members for Election at July 2 Annual Meeting Trump Lawyers Claim '60 Minutes' Harris Interview Caused Him 'Mental Anguish,' Argue That the 'First Amendment Is No Shield to News Distortion' in Motion to Deny Paramount Bid to Dismiss Lawsuit 'This is the right moment to elevate the next generation of leadership and create further opportunities for internal growth,' said Moelis in a statement Monday. 'Navid is a founder of our firm and has been a trusted partner to me for 30 years. As co-president, he has been involved in every major decision we have made and has been a key driver of our firm's most impactful strategic growth initiatives. He's a unique talent and one of the best strategic advisors I have ever worked with.' Since co-founding Moelis & Co. in 2007, Mahmoodzadegan has advised on more than 200 media transactions. In addition to Skydance Media, he also recently advised Dorna Sports on its €4.2 billion sale to Liberty Media; LA.'s Angel City FC on a sale of a controlling stake to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay; AMC Theatres on a $2.45 billion capital raise and debt extension; UTA on its acquisition of sports agency Representatives of Outstanding Footballers (ROOF); and New Mountain Capital on its acquisition of Broadcast Music, Inc. 'I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together these past 18 years since founding Moelis and am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as CEO at this important moment in the evolution of our firm,' Mahmoodzadegan said in the press release. 'As we move forward, we will continue to put clients first — that has always been the key to the Firm's long-term success and achieving outstanding results for our shareholders. We have never been better positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities ahead.' A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mahmoodzadegan practiced law as an attorney at Irell & Manella before launching his career as an investment banker with a six-year stint (1995-2001) at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where he worked alongside Moelis. He then followed Moelis to UBS Investment Bank, where he served as global head of media investment banking from 2001 to 2007. Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?' Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moelis names next CEO
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Ken Moelis, the CEO and co-founder of investment bank Moelis & Company who has been at the helm since 2007, will step down from his role and become executive chairman effective Oct. 1, the company announced Monday. Navid Mahmoodzadegan, co-founder and co-president, will become the CEO and join the board. Jeff Raich, co-founder and co-president, will become the New York-based firm's executive vice chairman and continue to head key businesses, the company said. The recent executive changes are part of the company's long-term leadership transition planning, Moelis noted in a statement. 'I have never felt better about our Firm and the opportunities ahead,' he said Monday. 'Navid is a founder of our Firm and has been a trusted partner to me for 30 years. As Co-President, he has been involved in every major decision we have made and has been a key driver of our Firm's most impactful strategic growth initiatives.' Mahmoodzadegan, who has co-led the firm's investment banking business, has the full support of the Moelis board to drive growth and invest in next generation talent, the outgoing CEO noted. Raich's leadership will be 'critical' in the firm's next chapter, Moelis said. 'Navid, Jeff, and I share a long-term vision and deep commitment to fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment that prioritizes exceptional client service and innovation,' Moelis added. The company was founded in 2007 when Moelis, a former president of UBS' investment bank, poached Mahmoodzadegan and Raich from his former employer to help build the new firm. The investment bank went public in 2014. Moelis, who is also the chairman of the company, was offered a $25 million retention bonus in February 'to maintain continuity and stability in the Company's leadership in the coming years.' The limited partnership award will vest fully if the executive stays with the company until February 2029. Moelis expects handing the baton to be the 'smoothest transition ever in the history of Wall Street,' he told The Wall Street Journal. The incoming CEO, a 30-year banking veteran, was the global head of media investment banking at UBS prior to joining Moelis. He was also an investment banker at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette and an attorney at Irell & Manella, according to Mahmoodzadegan's LinkedIn profile. 'As we move forward, we will continue to put clients first – that has always been the key to the Firm's long-term success and achieving outstanding results for our shareholders. We have never been better positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities ahead,' Mahmoodzadegan said in a prepared statement Monday. Raich, a merger and acquisitions expert, was the joint global head of M&A at UBS and head of West Coast M&A at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette before co-founding Moelis with his two former colleagues, according to Raich's LinkedIn profile. Mahmoodzadegan and Raich were named co-presidents of the company in September 2015. Moelis grabbed attention last year when Jonathan Kaye, a banker at the firm, was filmed punching a woman in the face amid a Pride celebration in Brooklyn in June. Kaye, a managing director who led Moelis' business services franchise, was put on leave after the 10-second video went viral and left the firm soon after. In February, Kaye pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor charges, including assault. The next month, Kaye joined investment firm Rothschild & Co. as the global co-head of business services of its North America unit to help the firm expand its North America global advisory business.
Mint
09-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Ken Moelis Plans to Step Down as CEO of His Investment Bank
(Bloomberg) -- Ken Moelis, who became one of the most recognizable dealmakers on Wall Street in his four-decade career, will step down as CEO of his boutique investment bank effective Oct. 1. The 66-year-old banker will take on the role of executive chairman at Moelis & Co., the company said in a statement Monday. Co-President Navid Mahmoodzadegan will become chief executive officer and join the bank's board. Moelis had been saying for years that he would step down before he turned 65 to focus more on mergers and acquisitions. Mahmoodzadegan and Jeff Raich, both of whom helped found the New York-based firm with Moelis, had been seen as potential heirs. Raich, the other co-president, is being tapped as executive vice chairman. 'I have never felt better about our firm and the opportunities ahead,' Moelis said in the statement. 'This is the right moment to elevate the next generation of leadership and create further opportunities for internal growth.' Moelis's 65th birthday came and went in 2023, after he decided to pounce on what he called one of the best opportunities in his career to beef up his company's ranks. A wave of talent was unleashed after Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse collapsed two years ago. At the same time, larger rivals were retrenching amid a dealmaking slump. Mahmoodzadegan is known as a hard-charging banker and a critical part of many Moelis growth initiatives, including pushing into sports transactions and deals with alternative-asset managers. He helped companies such as Expedia Group Inc. raise money during the Covid-19 lockdowns, and was involved in transactions including the purchase of Chelsea FC by a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Mahmoodzadegan 'has been involved in every major decision we have made and has been a key driver of our firm's most impactful strategic growth initiatives,' Moelis said. 'He's a unique talent and one of the best strategic advisers I have ever worked with.' The firm's shares are down 20% this year as an anticipated rebound in dealmaking failed to materialize. Moelis & Co. ranks 29th among advisers on announced mergers and acquisitions so far this year, down from 22nd last year. Moelis set up his firm with Mahmoodzadegan and Raich in 2007, after quitting as the top Americas dealmaker at UBS Group AG and just before the subprime-mortgage meltdown plunged the global financial system into crisis. Moelis & Co. went on to aggressively build out its ranks and established outposts in London, Mumbai, Chicago and Dubai. It went public in 2014. --With assistance from Sonali Basak. More stories like this are available on
