Baird

Office address: 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202 
Website: rwbaird.com 
Year established: 1919 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 5,300+ 
Expertise: wealth management, asset management, investment banking, private equity, trust services, public finance, institutional research, equity trading, fixed income, estate planning 
Parent company: Baird Financial Corporation 
Key people: Steven Booth (CEO), James Allen and Kim Fleming (vice chairs), Timothy Byrne (chief information officer), Erik Dahlberg (president), Brian Doyal (co-head of global investment banking), Terrance Maxwell (CFO) 
Financing status: corporation 

Baird (Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated) is an employee-owned financial services firm based in Milwaukee, with more than 200 offices worldwide. As of 2025, it manages $525 billion in client assets and offers:   

• wealth management  
• asset management  
• investment banking  
• private equity  
• public finance services  

The company is recognized for reporting steady profits every year for 40 years and for its strong financial management. 

History of Baird 

The company was founded by Robert W. Baird in 1919. It weathered the Great Depression and played a role in financing local landmarks, like the Empire Building in Milwaukee.  

The company’s leadership made bold moves, such as buying back $1 million in stock from its parent company in 1934. This gave the firm more control over its future. 

Expanding reach and building reputation 

In 1948, Baird joined the NYSE, with partners like Frieda Mueller helping pave the way. The postwar era brought new opportunities, and the firm guided investors through changing markets. The 1960s and 1970s saw the company grow its offices and support local companies, even during tough economic times. 

Progress, strength, and new directions 

The 1980s and 1990s brought more growth, with Baird focusing on research and client service. The firm expanded internationally in 1999 by acquiring Granville in London as it aimed to become a top middle-market investment firm.  

In 2004, the company became fully independent again after buying itself back from Northwestern Mutual, reinforcing its employee-owned culture. 

Baird’s modern achievements 

The company marked its 100th anniversary in 2019 by bringing thousands of associates to Milwaukee. In 2024, Baird won a $4.6 million arbitration claim, defending its business against Raymond James. 

In 2025, it welcomed advisor teams from Janney and Wells Fargo to show its focus on growth and service. The company also expanded into Massachusetts with a new wealth office in Danvers. 

Baird products and services

Baird’s investment offerings are shaped by its employee ownership and focus on long-term relationships. The firm delivers a broad set of solutions, which include: 

Individuals and families 

• financial planning: strategies for personal and family financial goals 
• investment advice: portfolio guidance for building and protecting wealth  
• trust and estate services: support for legacy and beneficiary planning 
• Baird Online: secure portal for tracking and managing accounts 
• Baird Funds: access to mutual funds managed by experienced professionals 
• market insights: economic and investment updates from in-house experts 

Corporations and institutions 

• asset management: fixed income and equity solutions with risk management 
• investment banking: advisory for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising 
• institutional equity research: detailed analysis and market insights 
• sales and trading: execution services for equity and fixed income markets 
• public finance: financial solutions for schools and municipalities 
• private equity: direct investments and partnerships with private companies 

The company serves clients from more than 200 locations worldwide, including offices across three continents. Its broad reach and experienced team help deliver specialized solutions wherever clients need them. 

Culture and corporate values 

Baird states that its culture values employee ownership and encourages every voice and idea. The firm says it is committed to a diverse, inclusive environment built on trust and respect.  

The company’s mission is to live out its Baird Way: 

• integrity 
• a clients-first mindset 
• long-term investment in people and communities 

The firm views inclusion and diversity as a shared responsibility and ongoing journey. The company says that it supports progress for associates, clients, and communities through a range of benefits: 

• health and well-being: affordable healthcare, preventive care, and wellness programs 
• compensation and time off: competitive pay, bonuses, paid holidays, and paid leave 
• retirement planning: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and financial planning advice 
• professional development: live courses, tuition reimbursement, and student loan resources 
• family support: caregiver leave, adoption help, identity protection, and childcare resources 
• mental health and balance: employee assistance, mental health resources, and community service time 
• employee ownership: most associates are shareholders, promoting accountability and long-term focus 

It also supports ESG principles by running programs like Baird Gives Back Week and the Go Green initiative. The firm reports 200,000 client households get paperless statements, and 90 percent of workstation materials are recyclable. 

About CEO Steve Booth and key people

Steve Booth is chair and CEO of the firm and serves on the board of Baird Financial Group and related companies. Before joining the company, Booth worked at Kidder, Peabody & Co. in Chicago’s corporate finance office. He holds business and economics degrees from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Northwestern. 

The leadership team at Baird guides the firm’s strategy and supports its long-term growth and client focus: 

• James R. Allen, CFA is vice chair and focuses on business development and strategic planning 
• Kim Fleming, CFA is also vice chair and brings experience in trust and wealth management   
• Timothy Byrne, CFA is CIO, overseeing technology and information systems for the entire firm 
• Erik Dahlberg is president of PWM and directs private wealth management operations 
• Brian Doyal is co-head of global investment banking and specializes in mergers and acquisitions 
• Terrance Maxwell is CFO and manages financial reporting and the firm’s fiscal health 

Baird says that its leadership team focuses on stability and deep industry experience. Their continuity helps strengthen client relationships and build lasting expertise. 

The future at Baird 

Baird has expanded its presence in California by opening a new office in Santa Clara. The company brought on Robert Choy as director and financial advisor, who managed $150 million at Edelman Financial Engines, a national investment advisory firm. This move is part of a wave of 2025 initiatives by major firms to bring in experienced advisors and expand their reach. 

To expand access to alternative investments for US wealth clients, the company has also formed a strategic partnership with Sagard. It acquired a minority stake with the Canadian alternative asset manager and will distribute select alternative strategies through its private wealth network. This collaboration helps Baird offer new investment options and supports its long-term focus on product innovation and advisor education.