Waller Helms Advisors ("WHA"), an industry leading specialist investment bank focused on the insurance, healthcare, investment, and financial technology sectors, today announced that it has appointed James Anderson as Chief Executive Officer. Anderson joins WHA from CNA Financial, one of the largest commercial P&C carriers in the United States, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He brings a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, deep industry knowledge and relationships, and strong M&A expertise.
"We have known James for many years and in addition to his history of being an outstanding banker, he has proven to be a talented executive," said John Waller, co-founder and Managing Director at WHA. "We look forward to him bringing his focus and energy to Waller Helms as we continue to build a leading specialist investment bank."
"James's passion, experience and proven ability to lead position him well to guide WHA as we build on the momentum we have generated in recent years," said David Helms, the firm's co-founder and Managing Director. "Partnering with someone of his caliber to accelerate our growth and enhance our capabilities across the converging health, wealth, insurance and fintech sectors will serve our clients well."
Anderson was with CNA Financial for seven years, initially as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and ultimately Chief Financial Officer. Prior to CNA, he spent nearly a decade as an insurance investment banker with Fox-Pitt Kelton Cochran Caronia Waller and Macquarie Capital, leading dozens of significant, successful M&A and capital raising transactions.
Anderson said, "I am thrilled to join WHA at this exciting time in its evolution. The firm has had incredible success in its first five years by focusing on delivering exceptional value to its clients. We will maintain this focus, aggressively seek to add talent and enhance the platform to expand our reach. I look forward to joining all of my colleagues at WHA to create the preeminent specialist investment banking platform in the market."