Ken Moelis to Step Down as CEO of Moelis & Co Effective October 1
Company - People | Jun 09, 2025 | EIN

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
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Ken Moelis | Outgoing CEO, incoming Executive Chairman | Person | Founder of Moelis & Co and outgoing CEO transitioning to executive chairman. |
Navid Mahmoodzadegan | Incoming CEO | Person | Co-president of Moelis & Co who will take over as CEO. |
Jeff Raich | Executive Vice Chairman | Person | Co-founder of Moelis & Co, being appointed as executive vice chairman. |
Moelis & Co. | Investment Bank | Company | Boutique investment bank undergoing leadership changes. |