New chairmen takes Baird into New Year

Robert Baird Incorporated (Baird) has appointed Michael Proudlock and John Fordham as joint executive chairmen of its European division, Granville Baird with responsibility for the private equity and equity capital markets businesses, respectively. This follows the departure of chief executive David Williamson who is leaving the group following Granville Baird’s successful integration into Baird over the last two years.

UK investment bank Granville & Co was acquired in 1999 in a $62 million deal by US investment banking and brokerage firm Robert W Baird. Granville Baird will complete its rebranding in January and start trading under the Baird name.

Michael Proudlock is currently chairman of Granville Baird Capital Partners and co-director of Baird’s global private equity business, which has total assets under management of around $1 billion. Proudlock has managed Granville Baird Capital Partners since 1985. He was previously a director of County Bank, part of NatWest with responsibility for the Midlands.

Proudlock’s appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to further expanding its international private equity business.