Ken Moelis Steps Down as CEO of Top Media Investment Bank Moelis & Co.; Navid Mahmoodzadegan Optimistic on Dealmaking

Ken Moelis, co-founder and CEO of investment bank Moelis & Co., announced he will step down from his role, handing over leadership to longtime partner Navid Mahmoodzadegan. Mahmoodzadegan, the incoming CEO, expressed optimism about the dealmaking environment, noting that confidence is returning after a pause in April caused by U.S. tariff threats. He highlighted that nearly every company, financial sponsor, and capital provider they engage with is interested in pursuing deals, despite some market volatility and uncertainty. Moelis & Co. is recognized as a top media investment bank, and Mahmoodzadegan likened the firm's bankers to elite athletes, reflecting the firm's culture and approach. Ken Moelis founded the firm during a time when Wall Street celebrated top dealmakers prominently, and after two decades, he is passing the reins to his protégé to lead the firm into the future.