William Blair has named Robert D. Kendall as its new global head of investment management, bringing on a veteran executive to oversee the strategic direction of the firm’s asset management operations.
Kendall steps into the role following the planned retirement of Stephanie Braming, who will remain at the firm through the fourth quarter to support the leadership transition.
In his new position, Kendall will oversee portfolio management, client service, and operational activities across William Blair’s investment platform.
Kendall previously served as president of Raymond James Investment Management, where he led initiatives to expand client assets, launched new strategies in active ETFs and private credit, and helped guide the firm’s expansion into the United Kingdom. His prior experience also includes leading DWS Americas, where he was responsible for the US business of Deutsche Bank’s asset management division.
He began his career in leadership roles at Van Kampen Investments, which was part of Morgan Stanley at the time.
“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 chief executive officer of William Blair, said in the firm's official announcement.
William Blair, which has offices in more than 20 locations worldwide, has several key businesses under its independently owned structure.
The Chicago-headquartered firm says its investment banking and private wealth division, dually registered with the SEC and FINRA, reported approximately $74 billion in client assets including $54 billion in regulatory assets as of March 31. The investment management division, registered with the SEC and CFTC, reported $65 billion in regulatory AUM.
Kendall highlighted the firm’s culture and focus on client outcomes as central to his decision to join.
“I have been impressed with the firm’s private partnership structure that drives a tremendous culture of client focus, collaboration, integrity, and excellence.”
Braming, who has spent more than 20 years at the firm, has been credited with helping expand its institutional relationships and developing global investment strategies. She first joined William Blair in 2004 and took on the global investment management leadership role in 2017.
“We thank Stephanie for her numerous contributions to William Blair over the course of more than two decades serving our clients,” Gledhill said.
The firm lured another veteran from Raymond James in May last year when it welcomed James Fernberger, along with his sons Alex and Zach. The team, which transitioned to William Blair as Fernberger Wealth Management, reportedly managed $1.2 billion in client assets at Raymond James.
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