Ross Williams Bio

Ross joined Baird in 1998 and is currently Global Investment Banking’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to becoming COO, Ross spent 20 years as an investment banker focused on mergers & acquisitions and equity underwritings. As COO, Ross manages human resources, compliance, finance, IT and numerous other functions impacting the operations of the group. He is also a member of the Management Committee, which leads the strategic direction of the business. During his years as an investment banker, Ross was a Managing Director with the Technology & Services Group and led Baird’s Facility, Industrial & Rental Services effort. Outside of work, Ross is active with several not-for-profit organizations. He serves as Board Member of the Charles E. Kubly Foundation, a public charity with a mental health mission; a Board of Advisers Member of the Nicholas Center for Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at the University of Wisconsin; and Board Member and Treasurer of 88nine Radio Milwaukee. He received his M.B.A. with distinction from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his Bachelor of Arts with honors from the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. When not working or volunteering, Ross enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children.