At the age of 38, Ronald Kruszewski took the helm of a then-regional brokerage and investment banking firm in 1997 and turned it from a $135 million company into one of the top firms in the nation with record 2009 revenue of $1.1 billion, its 14th consecutive year of record revenue. His success as the chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial Corp. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc., earned him recognition as the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year in the Financial Services category from Ernst and Young—an honor he shared with others in the company who have the same “entrepreneurial” spirit. Mr. Kruszewski will discuss his success and experience as Stifel’s chairman and CEO in the Hull College of Business’ MBA Executive Speaker Series Thursday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. in 170 University Hall at Augusta State University.
When Mr. Kruszewski joined Stifel, he says he articulated a vision, turning an old-line company into an entrepreneurial powerhouse. That vision has led Stifel to become the 7th largest brokerage firm in the nation in terms of number of financial advisors. Before joining Stifel, the Indiana native entrepreneur served as the managing director and chief financial officer of Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., in Milwaukee, Wis.
He is a seasoned investment banker with substantial transaction experience, particularly in the Financial Services sector, including public offerings, private placements and mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Kruszewski has served on the boards of directors of major corporations and organizations, including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. He is also active in civic life, serving as the chairman of Downtown Now and as a member of the boards of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Webster University and the St. Louis Science Center. He also is a member of the St. Louis chapter of the Young Presidents Organization.
Mr. Kruszewski’s presentation highlights the 20th year of bringing prominent business leaders to the classroom through its Visiting Executives Program. For more information on the MBA Lecture Series, call Danielle Harris, media relations specialist, in ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1876.
Mar 1, 2010
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