Baird hires former Wachovia equity trader
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. has hired Peter Gunderson as director of principal trading. Gunderson, formerly head of principal trading at Wachovia Securities, oversees Baird’s principal trading group, which makes a market in more than 1,600 stocks. Baird’s Institutional Equity Services team serves more than 900 institutional investors across North America and Europe. Gunderson joins Baird with nearly 20 years of industry experience and is based in the firm’s Milwaukee office. Previously, Gunderson managed Wachovia Securities’ principal traders and New York Stock Exchange floor operation. "We are really pleased to have Peter as part of the Baird team," said Bill Mahler, Baird’s director of institutional equity services. "Principal trading continues to be a very significant opportunity for our firm and we see tremendous growth potential. Peter’s leadership and experience are a terrific addition to this important effort." Gunderson’s appointment illustrates the continued growth of Baird’s Institutional Equity Services business, which posted its 14th consecutive year of record revenues in 2008, despite the turbulent market environment.
RitzHolman CPAs, a Milwaukee-based accounting firm, recently hired Thomas M. Stocco, CPA. As a member of the business team, his practice will focus on providing tax and consulting services to closely-held businesses and individuals. Stocco served as financial analyst/business manager for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club prior to joining RitzHolman CPAs. He was previously employed at another public accounting firm in Milwaukee.
Steve Yahnke was recently hired by The Equitable Bank as vice president and chief credit officer. Yahnke was formerly the senior director of mergers and acquisitions for Corporate Financial Advisors, LLC. He has over 18 years of experience in the commercial banking industry.
