William Blair, the world’s leading boutique specializing in investment banking, investment management and private wealth management, today announced the hiring of three senior executives in the services-enabled investment banking practice by the company’s technology (TES). Blake Jones joins as general manager in Chicago, and Josh Funt and Louis Oliver join as Atlanta-based directors. All three will focus on the financial services industry, bringing a combined 35 years of experience and most recently joining from Truist.
“We are delighted to welcome Blake, Josh and Louis to the company, and we are delighted to add additional top talent to our financial services group,” said Britt Trukenbrod, Managing Director and Group Head. of William Blair’s TES investment bank. “The financial services industry is an extremely important area of focus and growth for our technology services team. These additions will allow us to continue to serve our primary financial sponsor and strategic customers with holistic financial services capabilities. »
Drawing on more than 20 years of investment banking experience, Jones will play a key role in expanding William Blair’s existing financial services coverage. Jones’ experience includes working with wealth and asset management firms, registered investment advisors, cloud-based investment solutions, private banking institutions, wealth management technology programs and other financial advisory organizations. Jones earned his BS with Special Achievements in Commerce from Washington and Lee University.
“I am delighted to join the William Blair Financial Services Platform and continue to build on our existing strengths and capabilities in the industry,” Jones said. “The company’s collaborative approach and understanding of high-quality, growth-oriented financial services entities are key drivers in delivering dedicated services and comprehensive solutions to our clients.”
Josh Funt has worked in tandem with Jones for the past five years, focusing on delivering results to companies in the same industries. His work focuses on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged finance and other investment banking solutions for clients. He earned his BS in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Louis Oliver primarily works with service and technology companies in the insurance industry on all aspects of their investment banking needs. Oliver holds an MBA in Finance from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and an MS in Accounting and BS in Analytical Finance from Wake Forest University.
William Blair’s expanded investment banking group continues to make significant investments in its team. On July 5, the company announced the hiring of five senior executives in Europe: Manuel Sammut as general manager of technology services; general manager Eric Sanschagrin and director Daniel Fiegenschuh in technology; Alex Murrill as Managing Director covering Specialty Distribution, Commercial and Industrial Services; and Shane Dulabdas as Director of Debt Counseling. The firm also recently announced the addition of Derek Caracciola to the equity capital markets team, as well as the launch of the private equity advisory practice with the hiring of Mike Custar, head of private equity advisory, and the additions of Quinn Kolberg, Tom Marking, and Gage Alpert.
About William Blair Investment Banking
William Blair’s investment banking group enables companies, financial sponsors and owners/entrepreneurs worldwide to achieve their growth, liquidity and funding goals. Drawing on the collective intellectual capital and deep industry expertise of a global team present in more than 20 cities on four continents, the investment banking group brings a rigorous and innovative approach to advisory projects to the boards of administration, mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt financing. From 2017 to 2021, the team has advised over $680 billion in completed transaction volume.
About William Blair
William Blair is the world’s leading boutique specializing in investment banking, investment management and private wealth management. We provide consulting services, strategies and solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients. As an independent, employee-owned company, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.*
*Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners and Poalim Capital Markets.
