Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. has opened a new office in Charlotte, N.C., where it has hired two former Wachovia senior investment banking professionals.
The new Charlotte office will be led by Brian McDonagh, managing director and co-head of M&A, and Joe Pellegrini, managing director.
McDonagh will play a dual role, supporting Baird’s broad M&A advisory practice across all industry sectors while also leveraging his experience and relationships in the industrial market to help drive the firm’s overall investment banking business in this sector. Pellegrini will focus on clients in the consumer sector, more specifically within the retail, branded apparel and footwear segments.
Frank Stokes, managing director in the health care investment banking group and formerly of Wachovia, will join McDonagh and Pellegrini at the new location. Stokes, who joined Baird in 2007 from Wachovia, was initially based out of the firm’s Chicago office.
"Baird’s mission to best meet clients’ needs now and in the future, combined with our long-term growth strategy, have prompted us to be proactive in seeking senior talent and expanding our global footprint," said Steve Booth, director of Baird’s Investment Banking group
"Baird’s solid reputation as a leading global middle-market investment bank focused on providing deep, industry sector-specific advisory services to its clients combined with the truly unique and outstanding culture of the firm made this an extremely attractive opportunity for me," McDonagh said.
"I’m thrilled to be joining this talented team. Baird’s successful track record in the consumer sector presents some exciting opportunities," Pellegrini said.
The addition of the new talent and resources is the latest development in the continued expansion of Baird’s Investment Banking group.
