Stifel Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stifel has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, investment banking, and financial management.

Focused on delivering comprehensive wealth planning and institutional brokerage services, Stifel maintains a commitment to providing independent financial solutions for investors, corporations, and municipalities across North America and the United Kingdom.

Leadership Roles at Stifel

  • Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Kruszewski
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Marischen
  • Managing Director - Allen Laufenberg
  • Managing Director - David Schlosser
  • Managing Director - Jeffrey Zylstra
  • Managing Director - Tim Hoopes
  • Managing Director - Derek Lithwick
  • Managing Director - Alec Lehrer
  • Managing Director - David Arteberry
  • Managing Director - Peter Davidson
  • Ronald Kruszewski - Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Kruszewski, the Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer at Stifel, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the firm. Overseeing the integration of diverse subsidiaries like Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and Stifel Bank & Trust, the Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational cohesion across all investment banking and wealth management divisions. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine corporate governance and expand market presence throughout the United States and international territories. By prioritizing client-centric financial services, Ronald Kruszewski drives the firm toward sustained profitability and competitive excellence in the global investment landscape. Kruszewski maintains rigorous standards for risk management and capital allocation, ensuring the organization remains resilient amidst shifting economic cycles while consistently delivering value to shareholders and institutional partners alike.
    Ronald Kruszewski

    James Marischen - Chief Financial Officer

    James Marischen, the Chief Financial Officer at Stifel, directs the financial operations, reporting, and capital management strategies of the firm. Overseeing the budgeting, forecasting, and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains a strong balance sheet and optimal liquidity to support ongoing business activities. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities and manage the firm's overall risk profile. James Marischen drives the development of financial policies that promote transparency and regulatory compliance across all subsidiaries. By analyzing market data and internal performance metrics, Marischen provides critical insights that inform strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of financial controls, ensuring that James Marischen supports the firm's long-term growth objectives and commitment to delivering consistent value to shareholders and institutional stakeholders.
    James Marischen

    Allen Laufenberg - Managing Director

    Allen Laufenberg, the Managing Director at Stifel, architects specialized investment banking solutions tailored for corporate clients and municipal entities. Focusing on the expansion of regional market share, the Managing Director identifies emerging opportunities within the financial services sector to bolster the firm's advisory portfolio. This role requires close collaboration with institutional sales teams to align complex trading strategies with client objectives across North American markets. Allen Laufenberg executes high-stakes transactions, leveraging deep industry expertise to navigate regulatory environments and market volatility. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, Laufenberg enhances the firm's reputation for excellence in capital markets. The Managing Director continuously refines internal processes to improve transaction efficiency, ensuring that Laufenberg remains a pivotal force in driving revenue growth and maintaining the firm's status as a premier independent investment bank.

    David Schlosser - Managing Director

    David Schlosser, the Managing Director at Stifel, oversees the strategic deployment of wealth planning resources for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Concentrating on the optimization of asset management services, the Managing Director implements sophisticated investment frameworks that address diverse financial goals. This leadership position involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated lending and brokerage solutions that support long-term client stability. David Schlosser drives initiatives to modernize digital advisory platforms, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of technological innovation in finance. Through rigorous market analysis and portfolio oversight, Schlosser mitigates risk while maximizing returns for a broad client base. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, the Managing Director ensures that Schlosser contributes directly to the firm's reputation for reliability and superior financial performance within the competitive investment landscape.

    Jeffrey Zylstra - Managing Director

    Jeffrey Zylstra, the Managing Director at Stifel, manages complex institutional relationships and drives the execution of large-scale investment banking mandates. Focusing on the intersection of corporate finance and market strategy, the Managing Director facilitates capital raising activities that empower clients to achieve strategic objectives. This role involves navigating the intricacies of the United States and international markets to provide actionable insights and liquidity solutions. Jeffrey Zylstra coordinates with internal research and trading desks to ensure seamless delivery of financial services, maintaining high standards of execution quality. By fostering a culture of analytical rigor, Zylstra enhances the firm's advisory capabilities and strengthens market positioning. The Managing Director consistently identifies new avenues for business development, ensuring that Zylstra remains instrumental in expanding the firm's footprint and delivering consistent value to institutional partners.

    Tim Hoopes - Managing Director

    Tim Hoopes, the Managing Director at Stifel, leads initiatives focused on the expansion of municipal finance and public sector advisory services. Overseeing the development of tailored financial products for government entities, the Managing Director ensures that the firm provides robust support for infrastructure and community development projects. This role requires deep engagement with regulatory bodies and institutional investors to structure complex debt offerings and financial instruments. Tim Hoopes drives the strategic alignment of municipal services with the broader goals of the firm, ensuring consistent growth across regional markets. By leveraging extensive industry knowledge, Hoopes optimizes the delivery of advisory services, enhancing the firm's competitive edge. The Managing Director maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that Tim Hoopes contributes to the firm's enduring success and reputation as a trusted partner in public finance.

    Derek Lithwick - Managing Director

    Derek Lithwick, the Managing Director at Stifel, directs the strategic growth of the firm's securities brokerage operations. Focusing on the enhancement of trading platforms and client service models, the Managing Director ensures that individual and institutional investors receive high-quality execution and market access. This role involves managing relationships with key market participants and coordinating with internal teams to streamline operational workflows. Derek Lithwick drives the adoption of advanced analytical tools to improve decision-making and portfolio performance for clients. By monitoring market trends and regulatory shifts, Lithwick adapts the firm's brokerage strategies to maintain a competitive advantage. The Managing Director prioritizes efficiency and accuracy in all trading activities, ensuring that Derek Lithwick remains a vital contributor to the firm's overall financial health and market leadership in the investment services sector.

    Alec Lehrer - Managing Director

    Alec Lehrer, the Managing Director at Stifel, oversees the development and implementation of investment advisory strategies for a diverse client base. Concentrating on the integration of wealth planning and asset management, the Managing Director ensures that clients receive comprehensive financial guidance tailored to specific needs. This role involves collaborating with internal specialists to deliver holistic solutions that encompass lending, brokerage, and retirement planning. Alec Lehrer drives the expansion of the firm's advisory footprint, identifying new market segments and service opportunities. By maintaining a focus on client retention and satisfaction, Lehrer strengthens the firm's position as a premier provider of financial services. The Managing Director continuously refines advisory methodologies, ensuring that Alec Lehrer contributes to the firm's reputation for excellence and long-term value creation for investors across the United States.

    David Arteberry - Managing Director

    David Arteberry, the Managing Director at Stifel, leads the firm's efforts in specialized financial advisory for corporate and institutional clients. Focusing on the execution of complex mergers, acquisitions, and capital market transactions, the Managing Director provides critical guidance that supports client growth and strategic transformation. This role involves managing high-level relationships and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless advisory services. David Arteberry drives the development of innovative financial solutions that address unique market challenges, ensuring the firm remains a leader in investment banking. By fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, Arteberry enhances the firm's reputation for delivering superior results. The Managing Director maintains a focus on operational efficiency and strategic alignment, ensuring that David Arteberry remains a key driver of the firm's success in the competitive global financial landscape.

    Peter Davidson - Managing Director

    Peter Davidson, the Managing Director at Stifel, manages the strategic direction of institutional trading and market-making activities. Focusing on the optimization of liquidity provision and trade execution, the Managing Director ensures that the firm maintains a robust presence in the capital markets. This role involves coordinating with internal desks to manage risk and capitalize on market opportunities across various asset classes. Peter Davidson drives the implementation of advanced trading technologies, enhancing the firm's ability to serve institutional clients with speed and precision. By monitoring global market dynamics, Davidson adapts trading strategies to ensure consistent performance and risk mitigation. The Managing Director prioritizes operational excellence and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Peter Davidson contributes to the firm's reputation for reliability and market expertise in the highly competitive investment banking industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stifel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stifel?
    Stifel is led by Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Marischen (Chief Financial Officer) and Allen Laufenberg (Managing Director).
    Who is part of Stifel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stifel includes leaders such as Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer), James Marischen (Chief Financial Officer), Allen Laufenberg (Managing Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stifel have?
    Stifel has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stifel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stifel includes roles such as Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, Managing Director, Managing Director.