William Blair named Robert D. Kendall global head of the firm’s investment management business, responsible for the strategic direction of the business including all portfolio management, client and operational activities. He succeeds Stephanie Braming, who announced her plans for retirement earlier this year. Braming will remain with the firm into Q4/25 to enable a seamless transition.
Kendall, a recognized industry leader with nearly three decades of asset management experience, most recently served as president of Raymond James Investment Management, overseeing strong growth in client assets, the establishment of active ETF and private credit strategies and an expansion into the United Kingdom. Previously, he led the formation of and served as CEO of DWS Americas, overseeing U.S. operations of the global asset management business of Deutsche Bank. Earlier in his career, he served in multiple leadership roles at Van Kampen Investments, at the time a unit of Morgan Stanley.
“Investment management is a fundamental pillar of the William Blair platform, and Bob’s extensive asset management and leadership experience align with our mission of delivering investment excellence to our clients,” Brent Gledhill, president and CEO of William Blair, said. “Bob shares our firm’s vision and values that are anchored in a steadfast commitment to our clients, colleagues and communities. Moreover, his strong track record of achievement in leading investment management teams, coupled with his global perspective, makes him the ideal choice to guide our investment management business into the future.”
“I am thrilled to be joining William Blair and look forward to building upon the firm’s long heritage of helping clients achieve their investment goals,” Kendall said. “I have been impressed with the firm’s private partnership structure that drives a tremendous culture of client focus, collaboration, integrity and excellence.”
“We thank Stephanie for her numerous contributions to William Blair over the course of more than two decades serving our clients,” Gledhill said. “Stephanie has been an integral part of our success, driving innovative strategies, fostering client relationships and building a strong foundation for the future. It has been an honor to work with her over the course of her successful career at William Blair, especially over the past eight years throughout her tenure as global head of investment management.”
