Stifel Financial Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stifel Financial has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Stifel Financial focuses on building enduring relationships to guide individuals, families, and organizations toward their financial objectives through comprehensive wealth management and investment banking services.

Leadership Roles at Stifel Financial

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Kruszewski
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Barringer
  • Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer - Aleeza Hameed
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Sliney
  • Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services - Phoebe del Castillo
  • Co-President - James Zemlyak
  • Sr. Vice-President - Kurt Gilge
  • Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading - Brian Sabo
  • Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer - Private Client Group - Stifel - Crystal Schlegl
  • Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary - Mark Fisher
  • Ronald Kruszewski - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Kruszewski, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Stifel Financial, directs the overarching strategy and corporate vision for the diversified global wealth management and investment banking firm. Kruszewski guides the organization's expansion and operational framework, ensuring alignment with the core mission of building relationships to help clients achieve financial goals. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for all business segments, including wealth management and investment banking operations. Kruszewski's oversight extends to fostering a culture of client-centricity and driving innovation across the company. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer is accountable for the firm's financial performance, market positioning, and long-term growth initiatives. Ronald Kruszewski actively engages with stakeholders to communicate the company's strategic objectives and financial health, solidifying Stifel Financial's reputation as a trusted partner in pursuing financial objectives.
    Ronald Kruszewski

    John Barringer - Chief Financial Officer

    John Barringer, the Chief Financial Officer at Stifel Financial, manages the company's financial operations and fiscal strategy. Barringer oversees all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and capital management, ensuring the firm's financial health and stability. This critical role involves managing investments, analyzing financial performance, and developing strategies to optimize profitability and shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to align financial decisions with the company's broader business objectives, supporting Stifel Financial's mission of guiding clients toward their financial goals. Barringer's responsibilities include managing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving efficient resource allocation across the organization. John Barringer plays a pivotal part in maintaining investor confidence and securing the financial resources necessary for the company's continued growth and operational excellence.

    Aleeza Hameed - Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer

    Aleeza Hameed, the Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer at Stifel Financial, contributes to the strategic financial direction and oversight of the company. Hameed's role involves supporting the financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. This position is integral to maintaining the financial integrity of Stifel Financial, supporting its mission of guiding clients toward their financial goals. The Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the finance team to manage capital, assess investment opportunities, and mitigate financial risks. Hameed's efforts are focused on enhancing financial performance and supporting the firm's growth objectives. Aleeza Hameed's contributions are essential for the sound financial management that underpins Stifel Financial's client-focused wealth management and investment banking services.

    David Sliney - Chief Operating Officer

    David Sliney, the Chief Operating Officer at Stifel Financial, directs the firm's operational efficiency and service delivery across its global platforms. Sliney oversees the execution of business strategies, ensuring seamless integration of services and optimal resource utilization. This leadership position involves managing day-to-day operations, enhancing operational processes, and implementing best practices to support Stifel Financial's commitment to client success. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for driving operational excellence, managing risk within operational frameworks, and ensuring the effective functioning of all business units. Sliney's focus includes optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to enhance client experiences. David Sliney ensures that the firm's operational infrastructure robustly supports its wealth management and investment banking activities, contributing directly to the company's ability to build client relationships and achieve financial objectives.
    David Sliney

    Phoebe del Castillo - Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services

    Phoebe del Castillo, the Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services at Stifel Financial, spearheads the operational execution within the firm's advisory divisions. Del Castillo focuses on optimizing the delivery of advisory services, ensuring high standards of client support and operational efficiency. This role involves managing the infrastructure and processes that enable Stifel Financial to effectively serve its clients' financial needs. The Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services works to enhance service quality, streamline operations, and implement strategic initiatives that support client relationship building. Del Castillo's responsibilities include overseeing operational workflows, managing resources, and driving improvements within the advisory services segment. Phoebe del Castillo ensures that the advisory operations are robust and responsive, directly contributing to the firm's ability to help individuals, families, and organizations achieve their financial objectives.

    James Zemlyak - Co-President

    James Zemlyak, the Co-President at Stifel Financial, shares responsibility for driving the firm's strategic direction and operational oversight. Zemlyak collaborates with other senior leaders to advance Stifel Financial's mission of building client relationships and achieving financial goals. This executive role involves contributing to key strategic decisions, overseeing major business initiatives, and ensuring the effective execution of corporate objectives across various divisions. The Co-President works to foster growth, enhance service offerings, and maintain the firm's competitive position in the wealth management and investment banking landscape. Zemlyak's leadership supports the integration of services and the expansion of the firm's market presence. James Zemlyak is instrumental in guiding Stifel Financial's continued success and its commitment to client prosperity.
    James Zemlyak

    Kurt Gilge - Sr. Vice-President

    Kurt Gilge, the Sr. Vice-President at Stifel Financial, holds a significant leadership position contributing to the firm's strategic objectives and operational execution. Gilge's responsibilities encompass overseeing key initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of corporate strategies across designated areas. This role involves collaborating with various departments to drive performance and support Stifel Financial's commitment to client success. The Sr. Vice-President plays a crucial part in managing projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring that operational activities align with the company's overall mission. Gilge's efforts are directed towards enhancing efficiency and contributing to the firm's growth trajectory. Kurt Gilge's leadership is vital in maintaining the operational integrity and strategic momentum of Stifel Financial.

    Brian Sabo - Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading

    Brian Sabo, the Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading at Stifel Financial, directs the marketing strategies and initiatives for the firm's trading operations. Sabo oversees the development and execution of marketing campaigns designed to enhance brand visibility and client engagement within the trading sector. This leadership position involves analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and crafting compelling messaging to support Stifel Financial's trading services. The Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading is responsible for driving lead generation, managing marketing budgets, and ensuring brand consistency across all trading-related communications. Sabo's focus is on leveraging marketing to strengthen client relationships and expand market reach. Brian Sabo plays a key role in communicating the value proposition of Stifel Financial's trading capabilities to a broad audience.

    Crystal Schlegl - Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer - Private Client Group - Stifel

    Crystal Schlegl, the Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer - Private Client Group - Stifel at Stifel Financial, oversees critical administrative functions within the Private Client Group. Schlegl ensures the efficient and effective operation of administrative processes that support client service and advisor productivity. This role involves managing resources, implementing operational policies, and enhancing the overall client experience within the private client segment. The Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer - Private Client Group - Stifel is responsible for streamlining operations, ensuring compliance, and supporting the growth of the private client business. Schlegl's focus is on creating a supportive environment for advisors and clients, aligning administrative efforts with Stifel Financial's core mission. Crystal Schlegl contributes significantly to the operational backbone that enables strong client relationships and financial success.

    Mark Fisher - Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

    Mark Fisher, the Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Stifel Financial, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees corporate governance. Fisher manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigating legal risks for the firm. This critical role involves advising the board of directors and executive management on legal matters, corporate policies, and strategic initiatives. The Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary is responsible for maintaining the legal integrity of Stifel Financial's operations and transactions. Fisher's expertise ensures that the company operates within the bounds of the law while pursuing its financial objectives. Mark Fisher's guidance is essential for upholding Stifel Financial's commitment to ethical practices and robust corporate governance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stifel Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stifel Financial?
    Stifel Financial is led by Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Barringer (Chief Financial Officer) and Aleeza Hameed (Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Stifel Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stifel Financial includes leaders such as Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), John Barringer (Chief Financial Officer), Aleeza Hameed (Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stifel Financial have?
    Stifel Financial has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stifel Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stifel Financial includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Ofiicer Chief & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Advisory Services.