Piper Sandler Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Piper Sandler has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, human capital, and capital advisory.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Piper Sandler leverages deep industry expertise and a client-centric approach to deliver strategic financial solutions and drive market growth.

Leadership Roles at Piper Sandler

  • Chief Executive Officer - Chad Abraham
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sandra Sponem
  • Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors - Scarlet Montilla
  • Chief Operating Officer, Investment Banking - Chad Burton
  • Chief Operating Officer of Global Equities - James Fehrenbach
  • President - Deb Schoneman
  • Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer - Ellen Frys
  • Chief Human Capital Officer - Christine Esckilsen
  • Chief Information & Operations Officer - Shawn Quant
  • Chad Abraham - Chief Executive Officer

    Chad Abraham, the Chief Executive Officer at Piper Sandler, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Abraham guides the company's expansion across its investment banking and capital markets divisions, ensuring alignment with market opportunities and client needs. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and client service, critical for Piper Sandler's position as a leading financial advisory firm. By overseeing global operations and strategic partnerships, Chad Abraham drives the firm's growth trajectory and enhances its market presence. Abraham's focus remains on delivering superior financial solutions and maintaining the firm's reputation for integrity and expertise.
    Chad Abraham

    Sandra Sponem - Chief Financial Officer

    Sandra Sponem, the Chief Financial Officer at Piper Sandler, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Sponem oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, and investor relations, ensuring robust financial controls and reporting. This critical position involves optimizing capital allocation and driving profitability across the firm's diverse business segments. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, Sandra Sponem provides key insights to support executive decision-making. Sponem's leadership ensures the financial stability and sustainable growth of Piper Sandler, reinforcing its capacity to serve a broad range of clients with complex financial needs.
    Sandra Sponem

    Scarlet Montilla - Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors

    Scarlet Montilla, the Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors at Piper Sandler, spearheads the operational strategy for private capital advisory services. Montilla directs the execution of complex transactions and client engagements within the private capital markets, focusing on delivering tailored solutions for private equity groups and institutional investors. This role demands a deep understanding of deal structuring and market dynamics to facilitate successful capital raises and advisory mandates. By optimizing operational workflows and client service delivery, Scarlet Montilla enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the Private Capital Advisory Group. Montilla's expertise ensures Piper Sandler's continued leadership in facilitating private capital transactions.

    Chad Burton - Chief Operating Officer, Investment Banking

    Chad Burton, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Banking at Piper Sandler, drives operational excellence within the investment banking division. Burton oversees the strategic implementation of processes and systems that support deal execution, client relationship management, and overall business development. This leadership position is crucial for ensuring the seamless delivery of advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and restructuring. By enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaboration across teams, Chad Burton directly contributes to the division's success and client satisfaction. Burton's operational oversight ensures Piper Sandler's investment banking services remain competitive and responsive to evolving market demands.
    Chad Burton

    James Fehrenbach - Chief Operating Officer of Global Equities

    James Fehrenbach, the Chief Operating Officer of Global Equities at Piper Sandler, directs the operational framework for the firm's global equities business. Fehrenbach manages the execution of trading strategies, client service delivery, and the integration of technology to enhance market access and efficiency. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of equity sales, trading, and research operations across international markets. By optimizing trading platforms and streamlining operational processes, James Fehrenbach supports the firm's ability to provide superior execution and market insights to institutional investors. Fehrenbach's operational leadership strengthens Piper Sandler's global equities franchise.
    James Fehrenbach

    Deb Schoneman - President

    Deb Schoneman, the President at Piper Sandler, plays a pivotal role in guiding the firm's strategic direction and operational oversight. Schoneman collaborates closely with the CEO and executive team to drive growth initiatives and enhance client relationships across all business segments. This senior leadership position involves overseeing key strategic priorities and ensuring the effective execution of the company's business plan. By fostering cross-divisional collaboration and championing client-centric strategies, Deb Schoneman contributes significantly to Piper Sandler's market leadership. Schoneman's extensive experience and strategic vision are instrumental in advancing the firm's mission and expanding its global reach.
    Deb Schoneman

    Ellen Frys - Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer

    Ellen Frys, the Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer at Piper Sandler, leads the company's comprehensive marketing and brand strategy. Frys oversees all aspects of marketing, communications, and public relations, driving brand awareness and market positioning for the firm's diverse financial services. This role is essential for communicating Piper Sandler's value proposition to clients, investors, and the broader market. By developing and executing innovative marketing campaigns, Ellen Frys enhances client engagement and supports business development initiatives across all divisions. Frys's strategic marketing leadership ensures Piper Sandler maintains a strong and consistent brand presence in the competitive financial industry.

    Christine Esckilsen - Chief Human Capital Officer

    Christine Esckilsen, the Chief Human Capital Officer at Piper Sandler, directs the company's strategy for talent acquisition, development, and retention. Esckilsen oversees all human resources functions, including compensation, benefits, employee relations, and organizational development, ensuring a supportive and high-performing work environment. This leadership position is vital for attracting and nurturing the skilled professionals who drive Piper Sandler's success. By implementing robust talent management programs and fostering a strong corporate culture, Christine Esckilsen enhances employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. Esckilsen's focus on human capital development underpins the firm's ability to deliver exceptional client service and achieve its strategic objectives.
    Christine Esckilsen

    Shawn Quant - Chief Information & Operations Officer

    Shawn Quant, the Chief Information & Operations Officer at Piper Sandler, leads the integration of technology and operational strategies to drive business efficiency and innovation. Quant oversees the firm's information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and operational processes, ensuring robust and secure systems. This dual role is critical for supporting the firm's complex financial operations and enhancing client service delivery through advanced technological solutions. By optimizing IT systems and streamlining operational workflows, Shawn Quant ensures Piper Sandler remains agile and competitive. Quant's leadership in information technology and operations is fundamental to the firm's ongoing success and digital transformation efforts.
    Shawn Quant

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Piper Sandler Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Piper Sandler?
    Piper Sandler is led by Chad Abraham (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sandra Sponem (Chief Financial Officer) and Scarlet Montilla (Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors).
    Who is part of Piper Sandler’s executive team?
    The executive team of Piper Sandler includes leaders such as Chad Abraham (Chief Executive Officer), Sandra Sponem (Chief Financial Officer), Scarlet Montilla (Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Piper Sandler have?
    Piper Sandler has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Piper Sandler’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Piper Sandler includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director. Chief Operating Officer, Private Capital Advisory Group. Aviditi Advisors, Chief Operating Officer, Investment Banking, Chief Operating Officer of Global Equities.