Baird Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baird has 10 executives leading key functions including wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and private equity.

Committed to delivering comprehensive financial solutions, Baird empowers individuals and institutions through expert guidance and strategic capital allocation. This leadership team drives long-term value creation across global markets while maintaining a focus on client-centric financial excellence.

Leadership Roles at Baird

  • Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director - Terrance Maxwell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cindy Gean
  • Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director - Scott Falk
  • Chief Operating Officer - Equities - Jennifer Grayson
  • Managing Director Chief Operating Officer - Ross Williams
  • President, Private Wealth Management - Erik Dahlberg
  • Global Chief Human Resources Officer - Rodney Jones-Tyson
  • Managing Director - Lindsay Knapp
  • Managing Director - Cody England
  • Managing Director - Stacy Rowland
  • Terrance Maxwell - Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director

    Terrance Maxwell, the Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director at Baird, directs the firm's global financial strategy and capital management. Overseeing the financial reporting and budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet. This role involves managing relationships with investors and regulatory authorities to ensure transparency and compliance. By analyzing financial performance metrics, Maxwell identifies opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth. The Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director coordinates with the Board to set long-term financial targets and risk management policies. Through the application of rigorous financial oversight, Maxwell supports the firm's expansion into new markets. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of global economic trends and a commitment to fiscal discipline. Ultimately, Maxwell secures the firm's financial stability by providing the strategic guidance necessary to navigate complex market environments.
    Terrance Maxwell

    Cindy Gean - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Gean, the Chief Operating Officer at Baird, directs internal operational scaling and infrastructure development. Overseeing the firm's administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that internal processes support the rapid growth of wealth management services. This role involves streamlining workflows to enhance productivity across all departments. By implementing advanced technology solutions, Gean improves operational efficiency and reduces overhead costs. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to align internal resources with the firm's strategic goals. Through the management of daily business operations, Gean maintains the high standards of service expected by clients. This leadership position requires a focus on process optimization and organizational agility to adapt to changing market conditions. Ultimately, Gean secures the firm's operational foundation by fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring that all internal systems function at peak performance levels.

    Scott Falk - Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director

    Scott Falk, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director at Baird, manages supply chain logistics and vendor relationships for the firm's financial services. Overseeing the procurement of essential business tools, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director ensures that all operational requirements are met with precision. This role involves negotiating contracts and managing external partnerships to optimize cost structures. By monitoring vendor performance, Falk maintains the quality and reliability of the firm's operational support systems. The Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director coordinates with the finance department to ensure that all expenditures align with budgetary constraints. Through the application of strategic sourcing methodologies, Falk enhances the firm's operational resilience. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to operational excellence. Ultimately, Falk supports the firm's growth by ensuring that all logistical and vendor-related operations remain efficient and cost-effective.

    Jennifer Grayson - Chief Operating Officer - Equities

    Jennifer Grayson, the Chief Operating Officer - Equities at Baird, directs the operational framework for the firm's equity trading platforms. Overseeing the execution of trade processing and settlement systems, the Chief Operating Officer - Equities ensures that all market activities remain compliant and efficient. This role involves managing the technical infrastructure required for high-volume trading environments. By collaborating with the trading desk, Grayson optimizes order flow and minimizes execution risk. The Chief Operating Officer - Equities coordinates with regulatory bodies to ensure that all trading practices meet industry standards. Through the implementation of robust risk management protocols, Grayson protects the firm's assets and maintains market integrity. This leadership position requires a focus on technological innovation and operational precision to support the firm's equity business. Ultimately, Grayson strengthens the firm's market position by providing a reliable and high-performance operational environment for all equity-related activities.

    Ross Williams - Managing Director Chief Operating Officer

    Ross Williams, the Managing Director Chief Operating Officer at Baird, leads the integration of digital transformation initiatives across the firm's service lines. Overseeing the adoption of new software and data analytics platforms, the Managing Director Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of financial technology. This role involves managing cross-departmental projects to modernize legacy systems and improve data accessibility. By fostering a culture of innovation, Williams drives the adoption of agile methodologies throughout the organization. The Managing Director Chief Operating Officer coordinates with IT leadership to align technology investments with business objectives. Through the application of strategic planning, Williams enhances the firm's ability to deliver data-driven insights to clients. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term technological strategy and organizational change management. Ultimately, Williams secures the firm's competitive advantage by modernizing operations and leveraging technology to drive growth.

    Erik Dahlberg - President, Private Wealth Management

    Erik Dahlberg, the President, Private Wealth Management at Baird, directs the firm's comprehensive wealth management services for individual clients. Overseeing the delivery of financial planning and investment advisory services, the President, Private Wealth Management ensures that all client interactions reflect the firm's commitment to excellence. This role involves managing a vast network of financial advisors to provide personalized solutions for complex financial needs. By monitoring market trends and client feedback, Dahlberg refines the firm's wealth management offerings to remain competitive. The President, Private Wealth Management coordinates with other executive leaders to integrate wealth management services with the firm's broader financial capabilities. Through the application of strategic growth initiatives, Dahlberg expands the firm's reach across diverse client segments. This leadership position requires a focus on client relationship management and long-term financial planning. Ultimately, Dahlberg secures the firm's reputation for trust and reliability by delivering superior wealth management outcomes.

    Rodney Jones-Tyson - Global Chief Human Resources Officer

    Rodney Jones-Tyson, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Baird, directs the firm's talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing the recruitment and retention of top-tier financial professionals, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm maintains a high-performance culture. This role involves designing compensation and benefits programs that attract and motivate diverse talent. By implementing leadership development initiatives, Jones-Tyson prepares the next generation of firm leaders. The Global Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with department heads to align human capital strategies with business objectives. Through the application of data-driven HR practices, Jones-Tyson improves employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. This leadership position requires a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a collaborative work environment. Ultimately, Jones-Tyson strengthens the firm's market position by building a world-class team capable of delivering exceptional service to clients across all global operations.
    Rodney Jones-Tyson

    Lindsay Knapp - Managing Director

    Lindsay Knapp, the Managing Director at Baird, directs high-level investment banking initiatives for corporate clients. Overseeing complex transaction structures, the Managing Director ensures alignment with broader market trends and client objectives. This role involves managing cross-functional teams to execute mergers and acquisitions while maintaining rigorous compliance standards. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Knapp identifies growth opportunities within the competitive financial landscape. The Managing Director coordinates with internal stakeholders to optimize capital deployment strategies, ensuring that every engagement delivers measurable results. Through the application of sophisticated financial modeling and strategic advisory, Knapp supports the expansion of the firm's footprint across North American markets. This leadership position requires constant vigilance regarding regulatory shifts and economic volatility. Ultimately, Knapp secures the firm's reputation for excellence by delivering tailored financial solutions that address the unique needs of diverse corporate entities.

    Cody England - Managing Director

    Cody England, the Managing Director at Baird, oversees asset management portfolios for institutional investors. Managing large-scale capital allocations, the Managing Director drives performance through disciplined investment strategies and rigorous risk assessment. This role involves constant interaction with market analysts to refine portfolio composition and maximize returns for clients. By monitoring global economic indicators, England identifies emerging trends that influence long-term investment outcomes. The Managing Director ensures that all asset management activities adhere to the firm's core philosophy of stability and growth. Through the implementation of advanced analytical tools, England optimizes fund performance and maintains competitive positioning in the financial sector. This leadership role requires deep technical knowledge of market dynamics and a commitment to fiduciary responsibility. Ultimately, England strengthens the firm's market presence by providing consistent, high-quality investment management services that meet the evolving requirements of institutional partners.

    Stacy Rowland - Managing Director

    Stacy Rowland, the Managing Director at Baird, leads private equity initiatives focused on mid-market growth opportunities. Overseeing the entire investment lifecycle, the Managing Director evaluates potential acquisitions and manages portfolio company performance. This role involves collaborating with internal investment committees to approve strategic capital deployments. By fostering strong relationships with industry partners, Rowland identifies unique value-creation opportunities that align with the firm's long-term objectives. The Managing Director ensures that all private equity activities support the broader mission of delivering superior financial outcomes for clients. Through the application of rigorous due diligence and operational oversight, Rowland drives efficiency and profitability within the portfolio. This leadership position requires a balance of analytical precision and strategic vision to navigate complex market environments. Ultimately, Rowland contributes to the firm's success by executing high-impact investments that generate sustainable growth and long-term value for all stakeholders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baird Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baird?
    Baird is led by Terrance Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director), along with executives such as Cindy Gean (Chief Operating Officer) and Scott Falk (Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director).
    Who is part of Baird’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baird includes leaders such as Terrance Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director), Cindy Gean (Chief Operating Officer), Scott Falk (Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Baird have?
    Baird has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Baird’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Baird includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer - Equities, Managing Director Chief Operating Officer.