Bessemer Trust Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bessemer Trust has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology infrastructure, operational efficiency, legal compliance, and regional market management.

Committed to long-term wealth preservation, Bessemer Trust delivers sophisticated investment advice and fiduciary services to high-net-worth families across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Bessemer Trust

  • Chief Executive Officer - Holly MacDonald
  • Chief Financial Officer - Allison Heilborn
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - John Hall
  • President - Michael Marquez
  • President - Edna Guzman
  • Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer - Max Gelfer
  • Managing Director, Associate General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Westbury Funds - Nicola Knight
  • Holly MacDonald - Chief Executive Officer

    Holly MacDonald, the Chief Executive Officer at Bessemer Trust, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. By aligning investment advice with the evolving needs of high-net-worth clients, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains its legacy of wealth management excellence. MacDonald oversees the integration of fiduciary services across all national markets, driving growth through disciplined capital allocation and client-centric service models. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term objectives and market positioning. By fostering a culture of integrity and precision, Holly MacDonald secures the firm's reputation as a premier financial institution. The Chief Executive Officer monitors macroeconomic trends to adjust service offerings, ensuring Bessemer Trust remains competitive in a complex financial landscape. Through this focused approach, MacDonald sustains the firm's commitment to multi-generational wealth preservation and superior client outcomes.

    Allison Heilborn - Chief Financial Officer

    Allison Heilborn, the Chief Financial Officer at Bessemer Trust, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm operates with maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance. Heilborn directs the allocation of resources to support investment advisory services, balancing operational costs with the need for high-quality client deliverables. This role requires close coordination with executive leadership to forecast financial performance and mitigate market volatility risks. By implementing robust financial controls, Allison Heilborn protects the firm's assets and supports sustainable growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes revenue streams to identify opportunities for expansion within the wealth management sector. Through rigorous oversight of the balance sheet, Heilborn maintains the financial stability necessary for Bessemer Trust to provide consistent, reliable service to families across the country.

    John Hall - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    John Hall, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Bessemer Trust, executes the daily operational workflows that sustain the firm's wealth management services. Overseeing internal processes, service delivery standards, and administrative functions, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures that client interactions remain consistent and professional. Hall directs the implementation of operational improvements to streamline service delivery across the firm's national footprint. This role involves coordinating with various departments to resolve bottlenecks and enhance the overall client experience. By optimizing internal procedures, John Hall supports the firm's mission of providing high-touch investment advice. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to ensure that operational output aligns with the strategic objectives set by the executive team. Through meticulous management of day-to-day activities, Hall maintains the high standards of service that define Bessemer Trust's reputation in the competitive finance industry.

    Michael Marquez - President

    Michael Marquez, the President at Bessemer Trust, leads the firm's business development and client acquisition strategies in the southern markets. Overseeing regional growth initiatives, the President ensures that the firm's wealth management services reach a broader base of high-net-worth individuals. Marquez directs the expansion of local advisory teams, focusing on building deep, long-term relationships with families. This leadership role involves translating the firm's national strategy into actionable regional plans that drive revenue and market share. By fostering local partnerships and community engagement, Michael Marquez strengthens the firm's presence in key geographic areas. The President collaborates with the executive team to refine service offerings based on regional market demands. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, Marquez contributes to the overall success of Bessemer Trust, ensuring the firm remains a trusted partner for wealth management across the southern United States.
    Michael Marquez

    Edna Guzman - President

    Edna Guzman, the President at Bessemer Trust, manages the firm's institutional client relationships and strategic partnerships. Overseeing the delivery of specialized investment advice to complex accounts, the President ensures that institutional clients receive tailored solutions that meet specific financial objectives. Guzman directs the efforts of client-facing teams to maintain high retention rates and service quality. This role involves coordinating with investment committees to align portfolio strategies with the unique needs of institutional entities. By focusing on relationship management and service excellence, Edna Guzman drives the firm's reputation as a leader in institutional wealth management. The President works closely with other executives to identify new market opportunities and refine the firm's value proposition. Through the strategic oversight of client portfolios, Guzman ensures that Bessemer Trust continues to deliver consistent, high-value results for its diverse institutional client base.

    Max Gelfer - Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer

    Max Gelfer, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer at Bessemer Trust, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the firm's investment advisory platform. Overseeing cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer ensures that client information remains secure while providing seamless access to financial tools. Gelfer drives the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency of wealth management processes. This leadership role involves integrating advanced systems to support complex portfolio reporting and client communication. By modernizing the firm's technical stack, Max Gelfer enables advisors to deliver data-driven insights with greater speed and accuracy. The Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executives to align digital capabilities with the firm's long-term strategic goals. Through continuous improvement of the technological ecosystem, Gelfer empowers Bessemer Trust to maintain a competitive edge in the digital-first financial services market.
    Max Gelfer
    Nicola Knight, the Managing Director, Associate General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Westbury Funds at Bessemer Trust, governs the legal and regulatory framework for the firm's investment funds. Overseeing compliance, risk management, and legal strategy, the Managing Director, Associate General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Westbury Funds ensures that all financial products adhere to strict industry standards. Knight directs the legal response to complex regulatory changes, protecting the firm from potential liabilities. This role involves providing counsel on fund structures and investment mandates to ensure alignment with fiduciary duties. By navigating the intricate legal landscape, Nicola Knight enables the firm to offer secure and compliant investment solutions. The Managing Director, Associate General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Westbury Funds collaborates with the executive team to mitigate risks associated with market expansion. Through proactive legal oversight, Knight safeguards the interests of clients and the firm's long-term stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bessemer Trust Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bessemer Trust?
    Bessemer Trust is led by Holly MacDonald (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Allison Heilborn (Chief Financial Officer) and John Hall (Deputy Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Bessemer Trust’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bessemer Trust includes leaders such as Holly MacDonald (Chief Executive Officer), Allison Heilborn (Chief Financial Officer), John Hall (Deputy Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bessemer Trust have?
    Bessemer Trust has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bessemer Trust’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bessemer Trust includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, President, President.