CHICAGO - Waller Helms Advisors ("WHA"), the premier investment banking boutique focused on the crossroads of the Insurance, Healthcare, Investment and Technology sectors, is pleased to announce the addition of Derek Smith as a Director. Mr. Smith brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance and strategy, investment banking and the capital markets.
Derek joins WHA from CNA Financial Corporation (NYSE: CNA), having held leadership roles within Finance and Claims Analytics, including Vice President of Corporate Development where he was responsible for mergers, acquisitions, capital and rating agency management, investor relations, and financial planning and analysis. Previously, Derek was a Vice President in Macquarie Capital's Financial Institutions Group.
Mr. Smith holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and earned his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
"We are thrilled to welcome Derek to WHA as we continue to build a best-in-class team to serve our clients," said Peter Nero, Managing Director and Co-Founder. "Derek's experience, relationships and ability to hit the ground running are invaluable as our firm's expansion and activity accelerate."
In 2019, WHA advised on a record 21 transactions representing more than $4 billion in aggregate value. In addition, WHA combined forces with StoneRidge Advisors in July, and enters 2020 with 22 investment banking professionals focused on delivering excellent results for clients across our sectors.