Moelis CEO Steps Down: Ken Moelis Succession
- Ken Moelis, a prominent figure on Wall street, will step down as chief executive of Moelis & Company, the investment bank he co-founded nearly 20 years ago.
- The 66-year-old Moelis, known for advising Donald Trump on his gaming ventures, will be succeeded by co-founder Navid Mahmoodzadegan as CEO, effective Oct.
- Moelis & Company awarded Moelis a $25 million retention bonus in February.
Ken Moelis is stepping down as CEO of Moelis & Company, the investment bank he co-founded, transitioning to executive chairman on October 1st.This strategic move, focusing on succession planning, sees Navid Mahmoodzadegan, previously co-president, take the reins as the new CEO. The firm, with a market cap over $4 billion, will benefit from Moelis’s continued strategic guidance and key relationship management in his new role. the transition reflects the firm’s internal growth and commitment to evolving leadership. News Directory 3 keeps you informed about these crucial developments.What does this leadership change mean for the future of Moelis & Company? Discover what’s next …
Ken Moelis to Transition Executive Role at Moelis & Company
Updated June 9, 2025
Ken Moelis, a prominent figure on Wall street, will step down as chief executive of Moelis & Company, the investment bank he co-founded nearly 20 years ago. He will transition to the executive chairman role later this year, focusing on strategic guidance and maintaining key relationships.This leadership transition marks a new chapter for the firm, emphasizing succession planning and internal growth.
The 66-year-old Moelis, known for advising Donald Trump on his gaming ventures, will be succeeded by co-founder Navid Mahmoodzadegan as CEO, effective Oct. 1. Jeff Raich, also a co-founder, will become executive vice-chairman. Both mahmoodzadegan and Raich previously served as co-presidents, positioning them for these elevated roles.
Moelis & Company awarded Moelis a $25 million retention bonus in February. He will receive the bonus, provided he remains in a senior role until February 2029. The firm, specializing in merger advisory and restructuring, has a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion. Its success stems from focusing on private equity-backed companies and cultivating ties in the Middle East.
Moelis, Mahmoodzadegan, and Raich all worked together before establishing their boutique firm in 2007. The timing proved advantageous, as the financial crisis allowed specialized firms like Moelis & Company to thrive due to their streamlined structures.
“This is the right moment to elevate the next generation of leadership and create further opportunities for internal growth,” Ken Moelis said.
Moelis is an alumnus of Drexel Burnham Lambert. After Drexel’s bankruptcy,he joined Donaldson,Lufkin & jenrette,leading their high-yield bond underwriting in the 1990s. Following Credit Suisse’s acquisition of DLJ, Moelis briefly worked at the combined firm before UBS appointed him to lead its investment bank in 2001. He departed UBS in 2007 to launch Moelis & Company.
The company’s client roster includes Skydance Media,World Wrestling Entertainment,KKR,TPG Capital,and Francisco Partners. eric Cantor, a former U.S. congressman, serves as vice-chairman.
What’s next
With mahmoodzadegan at the helm, Moelis & Company is expected to continue its focus on providing strategic advice and navigating complex financial landscapes, while maintaining its strong presence in the investment banking sector.