William Blair Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

William Blair has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, human resources, and brand marketing.

Driven by a commitment to client success, William Blair is dedicated to providing premier global advisory services across investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, fostering long-term partnerships built on integrity and expertise.

Leadership Roles at William Blair

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brent Gledhill
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Trimberger
  • Chief Operating Officer - Beth Satterfield
  • President & Founder & Search Executive - Gail Blair
  • President - Peter Schiltz
  • Principal, Chief Technology Officer - James Connors
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Norris Ewalt
  • Head of Brand Marketing & Communications (Global) - Michaelle Burstin
  • Brent Gledhill - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Brent Gledhill, the President & Chief Executive Officer at William Blair, directs the firm's overarching strategy and operational execution. Gledhill guides the company's global expansion and market positioning within the investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management sectors. This leadership role involves ensuring the integration of all business lines to deliver cohesive client solutions. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Brent Gledhill drives the firm's commitment to client success and sustained growth. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses setting financial targets and overseeing the strategic allocation of resources across all global operations, ensuring alignment with the company's foundational principles.
    Brent Gledhill

    Michael Trimberger - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Trimberger, the Chief Financial Officer at William Blair, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Trimberger oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. This critical role involves developing financial models to support strategic initiatives and investment decisions across the firm's diverse service offerings. By optimizing capital structure and managing risk, Michael Trimberger directly contributes to the company's financial stability and profitability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to forecasting future financial performance and advising the executive team on investment opportunities and resource allocation to drive sustainable business expansion.
    Michael Trimberger

    Beth Satterfield - Chief Operating Officer

    Beth Satterfield, the Chief Operating Officer at William Blair, directs the firm's operational efficiency and infrastructure development. Satterfield oversees the execution of business processes across investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, ensuring seamless service delivery. This leadership position involves optimizing workflows and implementing best practices to enhance client experience and operational scalability. By managing day-to-day operations, Beth Satterfield ensures that the firm's global teams are equipped to meet client demands effectively. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes driving operational improvements that support the company's strategic objectives and maintain its reputation for excellence in the financial services industry.

    Gail Blair - President & Founder & Search Executive

    Gail Blair, the President & Founder & Search Executive at William Blair, provides foundational leadership and strategic direction. Blair's extensive experience shapes the firm's core values and long-term vision within the investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management sectors. This unique role involves guiding key strategic initiatives and maintaining the company's commitment to its founding principles. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Gail Blair continues to influence the firm's market approach and client relationships. The President & Founder & Search Executive's contributions are vital in upholding the company's legacy and driving its future growth trajectory.

    Peter Schiltz - President

    Peter Schiltz, the President at William Blair, drives strategic growth and operational excellence across key business segments. Schiltz focuses on enhancing the firm's capabilities in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, ensuring integrated service delivery. This leadership position involves fostering strong client relationships and expanding the firm's market presence globally. By championing strategic initiatives, Peter Schiltz contributes significantly to the company's sustained success and competitive positioning. The President's responsibilities include overseeing major business units and ensuring alignment with the firm's overall mission and financial objectives.
    Peter Schiltz

    James Connors - Principal, Chief Technology Officer

    James Connors, the Principal, Chief Technology Officer at William Blair, architects the firm's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Connors leads the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that support investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management services. This role is pivotal in ensuring the firm's technological infrastructure is robust, secure, and scalable to meet evolving market demands. By driving technological advancements, James Connors enhances operational capabilities and client engagement across all business units. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include overseeing cybersecurity, data management, and the integration of new technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the global financial landscape.
    James Connors

    Norris Ewalt - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Norris Ewalt, the Chief Human Resource Officer at William Blair, leads the company's talent management and organizational development strategies. Ewalt oversees all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a supportive and high-performing work environment. This executive position is crucial for attracting, retaining, and developing the skilled professionals who drive the firm's success in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. By fostering a strong corporate culture, Norris Ewalt contributes to employee engagement and the overall effectiveness of the global workforce. The Chief Human Resource Officer's mandate includes aligning HR policies with business objectives and promoting diversity and inclusion across the organization.

    Michaelle Burstin - Head of Brand Marketing & Communications (Global)

    Michaelle Burstin, the Head of Brand Marketing & Communications (Global) at William Blair, directs the firm's brand strategy and external communications. Burstin oversees the development and execution of marketing campaigns that enhance the company's reputation and market visibility across investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. This role is essential for articulating the firm's value proposition and strengthening its global brand presence. By managing corporate communications, Michaelle Burstin ensures consistent messaging and brand integrity worldwide. The Head of Brand Marketing & Communications's efforts are critical in building client trust and supporting the firm's business development objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding William Blair Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads William Blair?
    William Blair is led by Brent Gledhill (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Trimberger (Chief Financial Officer) and Beth Satterfield (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of William Blair’s executive team?
    The executive team of William Blair includes leaders such as Brent Gledhill (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Trimberger (Chief Financial Officer), Beth Satterfield (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does William Blair have?
    William Blair has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in William Blair’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of William Blair includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Founder & Search Executive, President.