Baird opens Charlotte office

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Baird opens Charlotte office

Capital markets, private equity, wealth and asset management firm Baird has opened a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In addition, the firm has bolstered its investment banking credentials with the addition of a brace of veteran investment bankers who will work from the new office.

Brian McDonagh and Joe Pellegrini are both formerly of Wachovia, and will assume their roles as MD and co-head of M&A, and MD respectively.

McDonagh brings with him nearly a quarter of a century of M&A experience, most recently leading the Industrial Growth M&A Group of Wachovia in Charlotte.

McDonagh will have to primary areas of focus, strengthening the firm’s M&A advisory practice across the board and utilising his extensive experience and relationships to enhance the firm’s investment banking operations.

Pellegrini will handle clients within the consumer sector, with a particular emphasis on the retail, branded apparel and footwear areas.

He leaves behind his role with Wachovia as head of the Retail and Soft Goods investment banking practice to join Baird, and during his career has also held roles with Lehman Brothers and Robertson Stephens.

Health Care investment banking group MD Frank Stokes will join the two new hires at Charlotte.