Ken Moelis to Step Down as CEO of Moelis & Co Effective October 1

Company - People | Jun 09, 2025 | EIN

Ken Moelis to Step Down as CEO of Moelis & Co Effective October 1

Ken Moelis, an iconic figure in the investment banking sector, has announced his decision to step down from the CEO position at Moelis & Co effective October 1. Taking on the role of executive chairman, Moelis aims to focus more on mergers and acquisitions. Navid Mahmoodzadegan, the company's co-president and a key player in Moelis & Co's growth initiatives, will assume the role of CEO and join the board of directors. Jeff Raich, another co-founder and co-president, will be appointed as executive vice chairman. This leadership transition occurs amid a challenging period for the firm, with a 20% drop in share value as deal activities slow and the company ranks lower in M&A advisory standings compared to last year. Established in 2007, just before a global financial crisis, the firm expanded globally and went public in 2014.

Sectors

  • Investment Banking
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

Geography

  • United States – Moelis & Co. is a New York-based investment bank, and the leadership changes pertain to its operations in the U.S.
  • Global – The firm has international outposts in London, Mumbai, Chicago, and Dubai, indicating its global presence.

Industry

  • Investment Banking – The article revolves around Moelis & Co, a boutique investment bank, and discusses leadership changes within the firm.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – Ken Moelis's shift to focus more on M&A and the company's ranking in M&A advisory highlight this industry.

Financials

  • 20% – The share value of Moelis & Co. has decreased by 20% this year due to a slump in anticipated dealmaking.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Ken MoelisOutgoing CEO, incoming Executive ChairmanPersonFounder of Moelis & Co and outgoing CEO transitioning to executive chairman.
Navid MahmoodzadeganIncoming CEOPersonCo-president of Moelis & Co who will take over as CEO.
Jeff RaichExecutive Vice ChairmanPersonCo-founder of Moelis & Co, being appointed as executive vice chairman.
Moelis & Co.Investment BankCompanyBoutique investment bank undergoing leadership changes.