19 May Baird launches clean technology focus
MILWAUKEE – Baird last week announced that it has launched a Clean Technology focus, adding several research analysts and investment bankers with deep expertise.
“Clean technology is an area of tremendous growth and, in many ways, a natural extension of several of Baird’s existing areas of focus,” said Chairman, President and CEO, Paul E. Purcell in a press release. “Adding this talented and experienced team gives us immediate credibility and a unique competitive advantage in this very dynamic sector. It establishes Baird as a premier clean technology equity capital markets franchise.”
Expanding Baird’s Industry Leading Research – Anchoring the clean technology research effort are Michael Horwitz, Senior Research Analyst and Christine Tezak, Senior Energy & Environmental Policy Analyst. Prior to joining Baird, Horwitz was the co-founder of the Clean Technology Research practice at the Stanford Group. He also was partner and senior research analyst of the Clean Technology Practice at Pacific Growth Equities.
Horwitz, who is based in Baird’s San Francisco office, will initiate research coverage of several clean technology sectors. He is joined by research associates, Ben Kallo and Ralph Fong.
Tezak provides advice on the investment impact of federal legislation, regulation and politics on publicly traded equities in the electric, natural gas, independent power, alternative energy and clean/green technology sectors. Previously, she headed the Electricity, Natural Gas and Environmental Policy Research effort at the Stanford Group. Prior to that, she was a principal of the Washington Research Group.
Tezak works from Baird’s office in McLean, Va.
“Michael and Christi are very well-respected for their insights, and we’re pleased that they’ve chosen to join Baird,” said Robert Venable, Director of Research. “The clean technology sector is rapidly developing and expanding, and adding the team’s expertise further complements the high quality research Baird already provides.”
Broadening Respected Investment Banking Capabilities – Baird has added Gary Vollen, Managing Director, to lead the new clean technology investment banking effort. A senior investment banking professional with 25 years of experience, Vollen is responsible for establishing relationships with and offering Baird’s advisory services to clean technology companies and the private equity and venture capital firms that invest in the sector. Prior to joining Baird, Vollen led the Stanford Group’s Clean Technology Investment Banking practice. He previously ran the Technology Investment Banking group at Pacific Growth Equities.
Vollen is joined by two other investment banking professionals, Melody Jones McDowell, Director, and Joshua Fiedler, Vice President. All three bankers are based in San Francisco. The team will work closely with Greg Ingram, co-director of Equity Capital Markets also in our San Francisco office. Prior to joining Baird in 2008, Ingram worked with Horwitz and Vollen at Pacific Growth Equities.
“We are very excited to have Gary, Melody and Josh join our team,” said Steve Booth, Director of Investment Banking. “As our Investment Banking group continues to strengthen its presence on the West Coast and deepen our relationships with the venture capital community, the team’s knowledge of and experience with clean technology players will be a huge strategic advantage.”