Ken Moelis

Ken Moelis

Investment banker, founder of the investment company 'Moelis
Date of Birth: 01.01.1958
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Beginnings and Academic Accomplishments
  2. Initial Career Trajectory
  3. Transition to Credit Suisse and UBS
  4. Founding Moelis & Company
  5. Moelis & Company's Global Presence
  6. Diverse Investment Portfolio
  7. Philanthropy and Recognition

Early Beginnings and Academic Accomplishments

Ken Moelis, a renowned investment banker, received his degrees in Economics (B.S.) and Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Currently serving on his alma mater's Board of Trustees, Moelis established himself early on as a driven individual with an aptitude for the financial sector.

Initial Career Trajectory

Moelis's professional journey began in 1981 at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he eventually rose to the position of Managing Director in the firm's Los Angeles office. Following the notable dissolution of Drexel, Moelis, along with a team of professionals, joined Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, where he became the Head of Corporate Finance Investment Banking. His contributions helped establish the firm as one of the most successful investment banking operations in Los Angeles during the 1990s.

Transition to Credit Suisse and UBS

In 2000, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette was acquired by Credit Suisse First Boston. Moelis ascended to the role of Head of U.S. Investment Banking in September 2000. However, his tenure there was brief, as he departed within months and brought his team with him to UBS. Within the first three months at UBS, Moelis recruited over 70 seasoned investment bankers to the firm.

Over six years at UBS, Moelis rose to become the firm's President of Investment Banking and Head of its Americas Investment Banking operations. By the end of 2006, the company ranked among the top four in overall fees.

Founding Moelis & Company

In 2007, Moelis decided to launch his own venture, Moelis & Company. A group of prominent investment bankers from UBS, including Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Jeff Raich, John Momtazee, Todd Wadler, Elizabeth Crain, and Warren Woo, joined him. Speculation suggests that Moelis's departure from UBS stemmed from the company's rigid bureaucracy.

Moelis & Company's Global Presence

Headquartered in New York City, Moelis & Company has offices in Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, Palo Alto, Paris, and Sydney. The firm has earned notable accolades, being named "Most Innovative Boutique Firm of the Year" by The Banker in 2010 and 2011 and "Best Global Independent Investment Bank" by Euromoney in 2010.

Diverse Investment Portfolio

In addition to its investment banking operations, Moelis & Company encompasses the private equity firm Moelis Capital Partners and the hedge fund Gracie Asset Management, acquired in September 2010. The acquisition of Freeport Financial Partners LLC further expanded the firm's asset management business.

Philanthropy and Recognition

Moelis serves as Chairman of the Tourette Syndrome Association and is a Trustee of the Cedars Sinai Hospital. In 2011, Bloomberg Markets Magazine recognized him as one of the "50 Most Influential People."

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