Bessemer Trust Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bessemer Trust has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, wealth management, financial oversight, and technology innovation.

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

Leadership Roles at Bessemer Trust

  • Chief Executive Officer - Holly MacDonald
  • Chief Financial Officer - Allison Heilborn
  • President - Edna Guzman
  • Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer - Max Gelfer
  • Managing Director - Philip Kalafatis
  • Managing Director - Kenneth Handy
  • Managing Director - Wei Wang
  • Managing Director - Alec Haverstick
  • Managing Director - Andrew Feder
  • Holly MacDonald - Chief Executive Officer

    Holly MacDonald, the Chief Executive Officer at Bessemer Trust, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution of the firm. MacDonald oversees the alignment of investment advisory services with the complex needs of high-net-worth clients. By driving North American growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in the wealth management sector. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term capital preservation strategies. Holly MacDonald directly influences the organizational culture and commitment to excellence. Through rigorous oversight of client-facing operations, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation for stability and performance. MacDonald fosters innovation in service delivery, ensuring that the wealth management model remains responsive to evolving market conditions and client requirements. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees the sustained financial health and market leadership of the organization.

    Allison Heilborn - Chief Financial Officer

    Allison Heilborn, the Chief Financial Officer at Bessemer Trust, manages the firm's fiscal health, capital allocation, and financial reporting processes. Heilborn focuses on maintaining the firm's robust balance sheet while supporting strategic growth initiatives. Overseeing the internal audit and financial planning departments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all operations adhere to strict regulatory and accounting standards. This leadership role involves providing the Board with critical insights into the firm's financial performance and risk exposure. Allison Heilborn directly impacts the firm's long-term stability by optimizing capital efficiency and managing operational costs. By implementing advanced financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the firm's assets and ensures transparency for all stakeholders. Heilborn collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align financial resources with the firm's overarching mission of providing superior wealth management services. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the firm's financial foundation.

    Edna Guzman - President

    Edna Guzman, the President at Bessemer Trust, oversees the day-to-day operations and execution of the firm's business strategy. Guzman focuses on streamlining internal processes to ensure that the firm's wealth management services are delivered with maximum efficiency and quality. Overseeing the coordination between various departments, the President ensures that all teams remain aligned with the firm's core mission of providing expert investment advice. This leadership role involves managing organizational performance and fostering a culture of excellence. Edna Guzman directly impacts the firm's ability to scale its operations while maintaining the high standards expected by clients. By identifying and removing operational bottlenecks, the President enhances the firm's overall productivity. Guzman collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer to translate strategic goals into actionable plans. Through this focus on operational excellence, the President ensures that the firm continues to deliver consistent value to its clients and stakeholders.

    Max Gelfer - Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer

    Max Gelfer, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer at Bessemer Trust, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework. Gelfer focuses on the implementation of secure, scalable technology solutions that support the firm's wealth management operations. Overseeing the development of proprietary client portals and data analytics platforms, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of financial technology. This role involves constant collaboration with the investment and operations teams to integrate new tools that enhance service delivery. Max Gelfer directly impacts the firm's operational efficiency and data security posture. By modernizing the firm's technological capabilities, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer enables the team to provide more responsive and personalized investment advice. Gelfer manages the firm's IT budget and strategic technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with long-term business goals. Through this focus, the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer drives digital transformation.
    Max Gelfer

    Philip Kalafatis - Managing Director

    Philip Kalafatis, the Managing Director at Bessemer Trust, manages high-level client relationships and complex portfolio strategies. Kalafatis focuses on the development of bespoke investment solutions tailored to the unique financial objectives of multi-generational families. Overseeing regional market expansion, the Managing Director ensures that the firm's wealth management expertise reaches a broader client base. This role requires deep integration with internal investment committees to validate asset allocation models. Philip Kalafatis directly impacts the firm's revenue growth by securing and maintaining significant client assets. Through the application of sophisticated financial planning techniques, the Managing Director mitigates risk while maximizing long-term value. Kalafatis coordinates with other senior leaders to ensure seamless service delivery across all investment platforms. By prioritizing client-centric outcomes, the Managing Director strengthens the firm's position as a premier provider of investment advice.

    Kenneth Handy - Managing Director

    Kenneth Handy, the Managing Director at Bessemer Trust, architects specialized investment frameworks for institutional and private wealth portfolios. Handy focuses on the optimization of alternative asset classes to enhance diversification for the firm's clientele. Overseeing the implementation of rigorous risk management protocols, the Managing Director ensures that all investment activities align with the firm's conservative growth philosophy. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of global market trends to inform tactical asset allocation decisions. Kenneth Handy directly contributes to the firm's reputation for analytical precision and financial stability. By collaborating with the investment research team, the Managing Director translates complex market data into actionable wealth management strategies. Handy drives operational efficiency within the investment division, ensuring that portfolio management processes remain scalable. Ultimately, the Managing Director secures the long-term financial interests of the firm's diverse client base.

    Wei Wang - Managing Director

    Wei Wang, the Managing Director at Bessemer Trust, leads the development of quantitative investment strategies and performance analytics. Wang focuses on the integration of advanced data modeling to improve the accuracy of wealth management projections. Overseeing the firm's analytical infrastructure, the Managing Director ensures that investment decisions rely on robust, evidence-based research. This role involves close coordination with the technology team to refine the tools used for portfolio monitoring and reporting. Wei Wang directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver consistent results in volatile market environments. By identifying emerging investment opportunities, the Managing Director enhances the overall value proposition for the firm's clients. Wang manages the execution of complex financial transactions, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements. Through this focus on analytical rigor, the Managing Director maintains the firm's commitment to superior investment advice.

    Alec Haverstick - Managing Director

    Alec Haverstick, the Managing Director at Bessemer Trust, manages the firm's private equity and direct investment initiatives. Haverstick focuses on sourcing and evaluating unique investment opportunities that align with the long-term wealth preservation goals of the firm's clients. Overseeing the due diligence process for new acquisitions, the Managing Director ensures that every investment meets the firm's stringent quality standards. This role requires active engagement with external partners and internal stakeholders to facilitate capital deployment. Alec Haverstick directly influences the performance of the firm's alternative investment portfolios. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, the Managing Director identifies sectors with high growth potential and sustainable value. Haverstick coordinates with the broader investment team to integrate these assets into existing client portfolios. Through this strategic focus, the Managing Director enhances the firm's ability to provide comprehensive and diversified wealth management solutions.

    Andrew Feder - Managing Director

    Andrew Feder, the Managing Director at Bessemer Trust, directs the firm's tax and estate planning advisory services. Feder focuses on the creation of tax-efficient structures that protect and grow family wealth across generations. Overseeing the coordination between legal and financial teams, the Managing Director ensures that all wealth management strategies comply with complex regulatory frameworks. This role involves providing high-level guidance to clients on trust administration and philanthropic planning. Andrew Feder directly impacts the firm's ability to offer holistic financial solutions that extend beyond simple investment advice. By simplifying intricate tax matters, the Managing Director provides clarity and security for the firm's clients. Feder collaborates with other senior leaders to ensure that estate planning is fully integrated into the overall investment strategy. Through this specialized focus, the Managing Director reinforces the firm's reputation for comprehensive and thoughtful wealth management.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    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 Edna Guzman (President).
    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), Edna Guzman (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bessemer Trust have?
    Bessemer Trust has 9 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, President, Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer, Managing Director.