Stifel Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stifel has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, marketing, and institutional banking.

Committed to fostering long-term financial success for clients, Stifel delivers comprehensive wealth management and investment banking solutions through a global network of dedicated professionals.

Leadership Roles at Stifel

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Kruszewski
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Marischen
  • Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management - Marnya Bufithis
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Sliney
  • Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada) - Jamie Thomson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services - Cindi Perez
  • Co-President & Head of Institutional Group - Victor Nesi
  • President - James Zemlyak
  • President - James Zemlyak
  • Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading - Brian Sabo
  • Ronald Kruszewski - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Kruszewski, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Stifel, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the firm. Overseeing the integration of wealth management and investment banking divisions, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in global financial markets. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align corporate objectives with the evolving needs of individuals, families, and institutional clients. By prioritizing client relationships and sustainable capital allocation, Ronald Kruszewski drives the firm toward consistent performance benchmarks. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer monitors macro-economic trends to adjust business models, ensuring that the company remains resilient across diverse economic cycles. Through this focused approach, the firm secures its position as a leader in the financial services sector, consistently delivering value to stakeholders while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence in every transaction.
    Ronald Kruszewski

    James Marischen - Chief Financial Officer

    James Marischen, the Chief Financial Officer at Stifel, governs the financial health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet to support its global investment banking activities. This leadership role involves providing critical data-driven insights to the executive team, facilitating informed decision-making regarding capital allocation and strategic investments. By managing financial transparency and regulatory compliance, James Marischen protects the interests of shareholders and clients alike. The Chief Financial Officer monitors liquidity and market exposure to mitigate risks associated with the firm's diverse financial services portfolio. Through rigorous financial oversight, Marischen supports the company's long-term growth objectives and stability. This dedication to fiscal discipline ensures that the firm remains well-positioned to pursue new opportunities in the competitive financial landscape, ultimately reinforcing the organization's commitment to building lasting relationships with individuals and institutional organizations.
    James Marischen

    Marnya Bufithis - Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management

    Marnya Bufithis, the Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management at Stifel, directs the financial operations and reporting for this specialized investment division. Overseeing the fiscal integrity of the unit, the Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management ensures that all financial activities support the firm's broader goals of providing expert investment management. This leadership role involves managing budgets, financial analysis, and regulatory reporting specific to the division's unique market focus. By maintaining precise financial controls, Marnya Bufithis enables the team to pursue investment opportunities with confidence and clarity. The Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management collaborates with the broader firm's finance department to ensure alignment with corporate standards and strategic objectives. Through this dedicated financial oversight, Bufithis contributes to the overall success of the firm's wealth management efforts, ensuring that the division remains a robust and reliable component of the company's comprehensive financial services portfolio.

    David Sliney - Chief Operating Officer

    David Sliney, the Chief Operating Officer at Stifel, manages the internal infrastructure and operational efficiency required to support a diversified global wealth management platform. Overseeing the execution of firm-wide initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes workflows to enhance productivity across all business units. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline processes, ensuring that the organization scales effectively while maintaining high service standards. By implementing robust operational frameworks, David Sliney supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive financial solutions to a broad client base. The Chief Operating Officer evaluates technological advancements and process improvements to reduce friction in client-facing activities. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, Sliney ensures that the firm remains agile in responding to market demands. This commitment to operational excellence allows the company to maintain its reputation for reliability and precision in the complex landscape of global investment banking and wealth management.
    David Sliney

    Jamie Thomson - Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada)

    Jamie Thomson, the Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada) at Stifel, directs the operational expansion and service delivery within the Canadian market. Overseeing the integration of local wealth management practices with the broader global platform, the Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada) ensures that regional operations align with the firm's overarching commitment to client-focused financial goals. This leadership role involves managing local regulatory requirements and optimizing the delivery of investment banking services to Canadian clients. By fostering a culture of efficiency and excellence, Jamie Thomson drives the firm's growth in this key geographic region. The Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada) coordinates with cross-border teams to leverage the company's global resources for local benefit. Through this strategic focus, Thomson ensures that the firm provides consistent, high-quality service to individuals and organizations across Canada, effectively bridging local market nuances with the firm's extensive international capabilities.

    Cindi Perez - Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services

    Cindi Perez, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services at Stifel, manages the development and delivery of the firm's diverse suite of investment offerings. Overseeing the operational lifecycle of products, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services ensures that clients receive high-quality, tailored financial solutions that align with their specific goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with product managers and investment teams to streamline the launch and maintenance of new services. By optimizing the infrastructure behind these products, Cindi Perez enhances the firm's ability to serve individuals and families effectively. The Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services monitors performance metrics to ensure that all offerings meet the firm's rigorous standards for quality and compliance. Through this focused operational oversight, Perez supports the company's mission to provide comprehensive wealth management tools, ensuring that the firm remains a trusted partner for clients seeking to pursue their long-term financial objectives.

    Victor Nesi - Co-President & Head of Institutional Group

    Victor Nesi, the Co-President & Head of Institutional Group at Stifel, directs the firm's institutional banking and capital markets activities. Overseeing the strategic growth of the institutional division, the Co-President & Head of Institutional Group ensures that the firm provides world-class service to organizations and institutional clients. This leadership role involves managing large-scale client relationships and driving the expansion of the firm's institutional footprint across global markets. By aligning the group's activities with the firm's overall mission, Victor Nesi fosters a culture of excellence and innovation in investment banking. The Co-President & Head of Institutional Group collaborates with other senior leaders to identify new market opportunities and enhance the firm's competitive position. Through this strategic leadership, Nesi ensures that the institutional group remains a cornerstone of the company's success, consistently delivering value to clients while maintaining the firm's reputation for deep market expertise and reliable financial guidance.
    Victor Nesi

    James Zemlyak - President

    James Zemlyak, the President at Stifel, manages the day-to-day execution of the firm's business strategy and operational priorities. Overseeing the coordination between various business units, the President ensures that the organization remains focused on its core mission of helping individuals and organizations achieve their financial goals. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to implement initiatives that drive growth and operational efficiency. By fostering collaboration across departments, James Zemlyak supports the firm's commitment to building lasting relationships with clients. The President monitors performance across the company's diverse service offerings, ensuring that each unit contributes effectively to the firm's overall success. Through this active management, Zemlyak helps the company navigate the complexities of the financial services industry, maintaining a steady focus on delivering high-quality wealth management and investment banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of a global client base.
    James Zemlyak

    James Zemlyak - President

    James Zemlyak, the President at Stifel, directs the firm's internal organizational development and talent management initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of human capital with the company's strategic goals, the President ensures that the firm maintains a high-performing culture capable of delivering superior financial services. This leadership role involves mentoring emerging leaders and refining the organizational structure to support long-term growth. By prioritizing professional development and operational excellence, James Zemlyak strengthens the firm's ability to serve its diverse client base. The President collaborates with other executives to ensure that the company's internal processes support its external mission of providing comprehensive wealth management and investment banking solutions. Through this focus on organizational health, Zemlyak ensures that the firm remains a preferred destination for top talent and a trusted partner for clients, consistently driving the company toward its objectives in the competitive global financial landscape.
    James Zemlyak

    Brian Sabo - Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading

    Brian Sabo, the Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading at Stifel, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for the firm's trading and institutional services. Overseeing the communication of the firm's value proposition to institutional clients, the Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading ensures that the company's expertise in financial markets remains visible and compelling. This leadership role involves developing targeted campaigns that highlight the firm's capabilities in investment banking and wealth management. By analyzing market trends and client feedback, Brian Sabo refines the firm's messaging to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving financial environment. The Managing Director - Chief Marketing Officer Trading collaborates with institutional group leaders to ensure that marketing efforts directly support revenue growth and client acquisition. Through this strategic approach, Sabo strengthens the firm's market presence, ensuring that the organization's reputation for excellence is effectively communicated to key stakeholders and potential partners across the global financial landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stifel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stifel?
    Stifel is led by Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Marischen (Chief Financial Officer) and Marnya Bufithis (Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management).
    Who is part of Stifel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stifel includes leaders such as Ronald Kruszewski (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), James Marischen (Chief Financial Officer), Marnya Bufithis (Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management) 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 & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, North Atlantic Capital Management, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Stifel Nicolaus Inc (Canada).