StepStone Group Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

StepStone Group has 9 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, private equity operations, financial management, and global distribution.

Committed to delivering bespoke private market investment solutions, StepStone Group empowers institutional and private wealth clients to achieve long-term financial objectives through specialized portfolios in private equity, infrastructure, debt, and real estate.

Leadership Roles at StepStone Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Scott Hart
  • Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Brittney Bauman
  • Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Tim Smith
  • Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer - Aiyu Nicholson
  • President, Distribution - Neil Menard
  • Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer - Richard Kasnia
  • Managing Director - Taylor Benson
  • Managing Director - Richard Schoepke
  • Managing Director - Justin Thibault
  • Scott Hart - Chief Executive Officer

    Scott Hart, the Chief Executive Officer at StepStone Group, directs the firm's overarching global strategy and long-term vision. Hart oversees the integration of customized investment solutions across private equity, infrastructure, private debt, and real estate asset classes. By aligning the firm's advisory and data services with the specific objectives of sovereign wealth funds and pension systems, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent value creation. Scott Hart maintains rigorous oversight of the firm's market position, driving expansion across international financial centers. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine investment methodologies and enhance client outcomes. Through the application of deep market intelligence, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a premier partner for institutional investors. Ultimately, Hart fosters a culture of excellence that supports the complex financial requirements of global clients.
    Scott Hart

    Brittney Bauman - Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Brittney Bauman, the Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at StepStone Group, manages the firm's financial health and reporting integrity. Bauman oversees capital allocation, financial planning, and treasury functions, ensuring that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet to support its global operations. The Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer directs the preparation of financial statements and regulatory filings, providing transparency to shareholders and stakeholders. Brittney Bauman coordinates with the executive team to assess the financial impact of strategic initiatives and market expansions. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of internal controls and risk management frameworks. By analyzing financial performance metrics, the Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency and profitability across all business lines. Bauman ensures that the firm's financial infrastructure remains robust, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality investment services to institutional and private wealth clients.
    Brittney Bauman

    Tim Smith - Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Tim Smith, the Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at StepStone Group, leads the operational and financial strategy for the private wealth division. Smith oversees the development of investment platforms tailored to high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. The Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer manages the financial reporting and operational workflows specific to the private wealth client segment. Tim Smith coordinates with distribution teams to ensure that investment products meet the unique liquidity and tax-efficiency needs of private clients. This role involves optimizing the delivery of advisory services through digital platforms and personalized client engagement models. By monitoring the financial performance of the private wealth vertical, the Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer drives growth and operational scalability. Smith ensures that the division remains aligned with the firm's overall mission of providing customized private market solutions.

    Aiyu Nicholson - Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer

    Aiyu Nicholson, the Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer at StepStone Group, directs the operational framework for the firm's private equity division. Nicholson oversees the execution of investment processes, ensuring that deal flow and portfolio management activities remain efficient and compliant. The Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer manages the integration of data services into the investment lifecycle, providing teams with actionable insights. Aiyu Nicholson coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align operational capabilities with the firm's broader strategic goals. This role involves optimizing internal workflows to support the rapid deployment of capital across global markets. By streamlining administrative and operational functions, the Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer enhances the firm's ability to serve institutional clients effectively. Nicholson drives continuous improvement in operational standards, ensuring that the private equity vertical maintains its competitive edge in the global financial sector.

    Neil Menard - President, Distribution

    Neil Menard, the President, Distribution at StepStone Group, directs the firm's global sales and client relationship management efforts. Menard oversees the expansion of the firm's market presence, ensuring that institutional and private wealth clients have access to the firm's full suite of investment solutions. The President, Distribution manages the strategic alignment of sales teams across diverse geographic regions, driving revenue growth through effective client engagement. Neil Menard coordinates with product development teams to ensure that the firm's offerings meet the evolving needs of pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices. This leadership role involves building and maintaining long-term partnerships with key market participants. By implementing data-driven sales strategies, the President, Distribution enhances the firm's ability to capture market share. Menard drives the execution of distribution initiatives that support the firm's reputation as a leader in private markets investment and advisory services.
    Neil Menard

    Richard Kasnia - Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Richard Kasnia, the Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer at StepStone Group, architects the firm's human capital strategy to support global growth. Kasnia oversees talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational culture initiatives across all international offices. The Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top-tier investment professionals capable of navigating complex private market landscapes. Richard Kasnia manages performance management systems that align individual contributions with the firm's strategic objectives. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that promotes innovation and collaboration among diverse teams. By implementing robust training programs, the Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the collective expertise of the workforce. Kasnia drives organizational efficiency by optimizing internal processes and supporting the professional growth of staff. Ultimately, the Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human infrastructure necessary for the firm to deliver superior investment solutions.

    Taylor Benson - Managing Director

    Taylor Benson, the Managing Director at StepStone Group, manages complex investment mandates for institutional clients seeking exposure to private markets. Benson focuses on the construction of diversified portfolios, specifically targeting infrastructure and real estate opportunities that align with defined benefit pension fund requirements. The Managing Director evaluates market trends to optimize asset allocation strategies, ensuring that client portfolios remain resilient against macroeconomic volatility. Taylor Benson coordinates with internal research teams to identify high-potential investment vehicles, thereby enhancing the firm's advisory capabilities. This role requires precise execution of capital deployment strategies across North American and European markets. By maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, the Managing Director facilitates the seamless delivery of data-driven investment insights. Benson consistently drives performance metrics that support the broader financial goals of the firm's diverse client base.

    Richard Schoepke - Managing Director

    Richard Schoepke, the Managing Director at StepStone Group, leads initiatives focused on private debt and credit market strategies. Schoepke oversees the identification and assessment of credit-focused investment opportunities, providing clients with tailored solutions that balance risk and return. The Managing Director manages the firm's engagement with family offices and endowments, ensuring that investment structures meet specific liquidity and yield objectives. Richard Schoepke directs the analytical processes required to evaluate private debt instruments, contributing to the firm's comprehensive advisory services. This leadership position involves close collaboration with the investment committee to validate asset selection and portfolio construction. By monitoring global credit cycles, the Managing Director ensures that client portfolios remain aligned with evolving market conditions. Schoepke drives operational efficiency within the debt investment vertical, ultimately strengthening the firm's competitive standing in the private markets landscape.

    Justin Thibault - Managing Director

    Justin Thibault, the Managing Director at StepStone Group, spearheads the firm's efforts in private equity portfolio management and client advisory. Thibault oversees the development of customized investment programs for sovereign wealth funds and large-scale institutional investors. The Managing Director analyzes market data to identify emerging trends in private equity, ensuring that client portfolios capture growth across diverse sectors. Justin Thibault coordinates with internal teams to execute complex transactions, maintaining a focus on long-term capital appreciation. This role involves managing relationships with key institutional partners, providing strategic guidance on asset allocation and risk management. By leveraging the firm's proprietary data services, the Managing Director enhances the precision of investment decision-making. Thibault drives the implementation of sophisticated portfolio strategies that address the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and institutional entities, reinforcing the firm's commitment to excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding StepStone Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads StepStone Group?
    StepStone Group is led by Scott Hart (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brittney Bauman (Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer) and Tim Smith (Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of StepStone Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of StepStone Group includes leaders such as Scott Hart (Chief Executive Officer), Brittney Bauman (Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer), Tim Smith (Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does StepStone Group have?
    StepStone Group has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in StepStone Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of StepStone Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, Stepstone Private Wealth Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Partner & Private Equity Chief Operating Officer, President, Distribution.