Baird Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baird has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, human resources, finance, and wealth management.

Committed to delivering comprehensive financial solutions, Baird prioritizes client success through expert wealth management, investment banking, and asset management services while maintaining a strong focus on long-term value creation and market integrity.

Leadership Roles at Baird

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies) - Jason Trennert
  • Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director - Terrance Maxwell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cindy Gean
  • Managing Director Chief Operating Officer - Ross Williams
  • Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director - Scott Falk
  • Chief Operating Officer - Equities - Jennifer Grayson
  • President - Mary Baird
  • President, Private Wealth Management - Erik Dahlberg
  • Co-Chief Investment Officer & President, Baird Advisors, Baird Funds - Mary Stanek
  • Global Chief Human Resources Officer - Rodney Jones-Tyson
  • Jason Trennert, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies) at Baird, architects the strategic vision for specialized investment research and related business units. Trennert drives market analysis and investment strategy, providing critical insights that guide institutional clients. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies), Trennert oversees the development of proprietary research products that differentiate the firm in the global marketplace. This leadership role involves setting the long-term direction for strategic growth and ensuring alignment with the firm's core values. Jason Trennert engages with key stakeholders to communicate market trends and investment opportunities, reinforcing the firm's reputation for intellectual rigor. By leading high-level strategic initiatives, Trennert ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of financial innovation. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies) maintains a focus on delivering superior value to clients through disciplined investment strategies and expert market commentary.
    Jason Trennert

    Terrance Maxwell - Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director

    Terrance Maxwell, the Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director at Baird, directs the firm's financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies. Maxwell oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated to support growth in wealth management and investment banking. As the Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, Maxwell manages the firm's balance sheet and risk assessment processes. This leadership role involves providing strategic financial guidance to the executive team to support decision-making and long-term planning. Terrance Maxwell ensures compliance with financial regulations and maintains transparency with stakeholders. By optimizing the firm's capital structure, Maxwell supports the ability to invest in new opportunities and maintain market stability. The Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director maintains a focus on fiscal discipline and performance analysis, ensuring that the firm remains financially robust while delivering consistent value to clients and shareholders across all business segments.
    Terrance Maxwell

    Cindy Gean - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Gean, the Chief Operating Officer at Baird, directs internal business processes to ensure operational excellence across all service lines. Gean manages the infrastructure supporting wealth management and investment banking, focusing on efficiency and scalability. By streamlining workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enables the firm to meet complex client demands with precision. Gean collaborates with the executive team to align internal resources with broader corporate objectives. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in service delivery. Cindy Gean maintains a focus on risk mitigation and process optimization, ensuring that the firm remains agile in a competitive financial landscape. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, Gean supports the overarching mission of providing high-quality financial services to individuals and institutions. The Chief Operating Officer remains dedicated to fostering a culture of operational discipline that underpins the long-term growth and stability of the organization.

    Ross Williams - Managing Director Chief Operating Officer

    Ross Williams, the Managing Director Chief Operating Officer at Baird, executes strategic operational plans focused on enhancing the efficiency of investment banking and private equity divisions. Williams manages the integration of technology and business processes to support complex financial transactions. As the Managing Director Chief Operating Officer, Williams oversees the allocation of resources to maximize productivity and service quality for corporate clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with other senior leaders to ensure that operational capabilities match the firm's growth objectives. Ross Williams drives initiatives that improve data management and reporting, providing the firm with a competitive edge in market analysis. By optimizing the operational framework, Williams supports the delivery of high-value financial services. The Managing Director Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational resilience and scalability, ensuring that the firm can effectively navigate market fluctuations while continuing to provide exceptional service to its diverse client base.

    Scott Falk - Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director

    Scott Falk, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director at Baird, directs the operational strategy for the firm's asset management and institutional services. Falk oversees the implementation of systems that support portfolio management and client reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance. As the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Falk manages cross-functional teams to streamline service delivery and enhance client experiences. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for operational improvement and driving the adoption of new technologies. Scott Falk collaborates with the investment teams to ensure that operational support aligns with the firm's investment philosophy. By focusing on process efficiency, Falk enables the firm to manage assets effectively and maintain high standards of service. The Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director maintains a focus on long-term operational health, ensuring that the firm remains well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of financial institutions and individual investors.

    Jennifer Grayson - Chief Operating Officer - Equities

    Jennifer Grayson, the Chief Operating Officer - Equities at Baird, directs the operational infrastructure supporting the firm's equity trading and research activities. Grayson oversees the execution of trading strategies and the management of equity-related business processes. As the Chief Operating Officer - Equities, Grayson ensures that the trading desk and research teams have the necessary tools and support to provide high-quality insights to institutional clients. This leadership role involves managing relationships with market participants and ensuring compliance with trading regulations. Jennifer Grayson drives initiatives to improve execution speed and accuracy, enhancing the firm's competitive position in the equity markets. By focusing on operational excellence within the equities division, Grayson supports the firm's broader mission of providing superior investment services. The Chief Operating Officer - Equities maintains a focus on market connectivity and technological integration, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in equity market services.

    Mary Baird - President

    Mary Baird, the President at Baird, directs the overall business strategy and organizational growth across all service lines. Baird oversees the execution of the firm's mission to provide comprehensive wealth management and investment banking services. As the President, Baird coordinates the efforts of senior leadership to ensure alignment with the firm's long-term goals and values. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key clients and partners to drive business development. Mary Baird monitors market trends and competitive dynamics to guide the firm's strategic direction. By promoting a culture of excellence and client-centricity, Baird ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for integrity and service. The President maintains a focus on sustainable growth and operational success, ensuring that the firm continues to provide high-value financial solutions to individuals, institutions, and corporate clients while navigating the complexities of the global financial landscape.

    Erik Dahlberg - President, Private Wealth Management

    Erik Dahlberg, the President, Private Wealth Management at Baird, directs the strategic growth and service delivery for the firm's wealth management division. Dahlberg oversees the development of financial planning and investment solutions tailored to the needs of individual clients. As the President, Private Wealth Management, Dahlberg manages the expansion of the firm's wealth management footprint and ensures that advisors have the resources to provide exceptional service. This leadership role involves setting the standard for client engagement and investment advice. Erik Dahlberg collaborates with other business units to leverage the firm's full range of capabilities for the benefit of private clients. By focusing on client retention and service quality, Dahlberg drives the success of the wealth management business. The President, Private Wealth Management maintains a focus on delivering personalized financial strategies that help clients achieve their long-term financial goals while upholding the firm's commitment to excellence.

    Mary Stanek - Co-Chief Investment Officer & President, Baird Advisors, Baird Funds

    Mary Stanek, the Co-Chief Investment Officer & President, Baird Advisors, Baird Funds at Baird, directs the investment strategy and management of the firm's advisory and fund products. Stanek oversees the portfolio management process, ensuring that investment decisions align with the firm's rigorous research and risk management standards. As the Co-Chief Investment Officer & President, Baird Advisors, Baird Funds, Stanek manages the performance of investment funds and provides strategic direction for the advisory business. This leadership role involves communicating investment performance and market outlooks to clients and stakeholders. Mary Stanek drives the development of new investment products that meet the evolving needs of financial institutions and individual investors. By focusing on disciplined investment processes, Stanek ensures that the firm delivers consistent results. The Co-Chief Investment Officer & President, Baird Advisors, Baird Funds maintains a focus on long-term value creation and investment excellence, reinforcing the firm's position as a trusted partner in asset management.
    Mary Stanek

    Rodney Jones-Tyson - Global Chief Human Resources Officer

    Rodney Jones-Tyson, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Baird, directs the firm's talent strategy and organizational development initiatives. Jones-Tyson oversees recruitment, retention, and professional development programs designed to attract and cultivate top-tier financial professionals. As the Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Jones-Tyson ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's commitment to client-focused service and ethical standards. This leadership role involves managing global human capital strategies that support the firm's expansion and operational needs. Rodney Jones-Tyson fosters an inclusive culture that promotes collaboration and high performance across all departments. By implementing robust talent management systems, Jones-Tyson strengthens the organization's ability to deliver consistent results for clients. The Global Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a focus on employee engagement and leadership development, ensuring that the firm possesses the human capital necessary to sustain its market position and achieve long-term strategic goals.
    Rodney Jones-Tyson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baird Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baird?
    Baird is led by Jason Trennert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies)), along with executives such as Terrance Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director) and Cindy Gean (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Baird’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baird includes leaders such as Jason Trennert (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies)), Terrance Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director), Cindy Gean (Chief Operating Officer) 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 Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Strategies & Related Companies), Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director.