Ken Moelis to Step Down as CEO of Moelis & Co., Navid Mahmoodzadegan to Succeed
Tue, June 10, 2025Ken Moelis to Step Down as CEO of Moelis & Co., Navid Mahmoodzadegan to Succeed
Ken Moelis, the founder and CEO of Moelis & Co., has announced his decision to step down from his role, effective October 1, 2025. He will transition to the position of executive chair. Navid Mahmoodzadegan, a longtime partner and co-founder, will assume the role of CEO. Jeff Raich, also a co-founder and co-president, will become executive vice chair. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/ken-moelis-step-down-ceo-his-investment-bank-wsj-reports-2025-06-09/?utm_source=openai))
Leadership Transition at Moelis & Co.
This leadership change marks a significant milestone for the boutique investment bank, which Moelis has led since its inception in 2007. Known for his four-decade career and substantial influence on Wall Street, Moelis aims for a seamless transition, emphasizing opportunities for internal growth. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/ken-moelis-step-down-ceo-his-investment-bank-wsj-reports-2025-06-09/?utm_source=openai))
Navid Mahmoodzadegan, the incoming CEO, is well-positioned to lead the firm into its next chapter. A Harvard-trained lawyer, he previously served as the global head of media investment banking at UBS before co-founding Moelis & Co. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/ken-moelis-step-down-ceo-his-investment-bank-wsj-reports-2025-06-09/?utm_source=openai))
Moelis & Co.’s Unique Position in the Financial Industry
Moelis & Co. distinguishes itself within the financial services industry as a pure-play advisory investment bank, focusing solely on providing financial advice rather than engaging in lending or trading. This strategic focus has allowed the firm to carve out a unique niche in the competitive investment banking landscape. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/ken-moelis-step-down-ceo-his-investment-bank-wsj-reports-2025-06-09/?utm_source=openai))
Implications for the Investment Banking Sector
The leadership transition at Moelis & Co. comes at a time when the investment banking sector is experiencing significant changes. With President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, investment banking income is projected to see a substantial rise in 2025, reaching $316 billion globally—a 5.7% increase from 2024. M&A bankers are expected to earn $27.6 billion in fees, marking their second-best year in two decades. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/investment-banks-eye-2025-income-boom-trump-drives-deal-rebound-2024-12-06/?utm_source=openai))
This optimistic outlook is driven by expectations of deregulation and increased openness to mergers and acquisitions under the new administration. Lazard CEO Peter Orszag anticipates a continuous surge in dealmaking momentum into the next year, driven by active private equity and buoyant investment banking. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/lazard-expects-dealmaking-pick-up-tariffs-be-measured-2024-12-11/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
As Moelis & Co. prepares for this leadership transition, the firm is poised to navigate the evolving investment banking landscape under the guidance of Navid Mahmoodzadegan. The strategic focus on advisory services and the seamless leadership change underscore the firm’s commitment to maintaining its unique position in the industry.
For more insights into the investment banking sector and its future prospects, consider reading the following articles: