Key Facts
- ✓ Morgan Stanley named 184 new managing directors.
- ✓ The 2026 class is about 6% larger than last year's group of 173.
- ✓ Nearly 48% of the new MDs come from the Institutional Securities Group.
- ✓ The promotions follow similar elevations at rivals Goldman Sachs and Citigroup.
Quick Summary
Morgan Stanley has officially released the names of its 184 new managing directors. The announcement was made on Friday, confirming the elevation of these executives to the firm's highest designation. These promotions are a critical part of the bank's annual leadership structure.
The 2026 class of managing directors is approximately 6% larger than the previous year's group of 173. This expansion comes as Wall Street banks anticipate a more active dealmaking environment. The new MDs will join the cadre of top brass steering the prestigious bank.
The 2026 Class of Managing Directors
The 184 executives were informed earlier this week that they are being elevated to managing director. They are set to join the leadership team that steers the bank's wealth management, capital markets, and financial advisory businesses. The full list of names has been released in alphabetical order.
Key names on the list include:
- Sahil Aggarwal
- Jason B. Lynch
- Jon Mace
- Paul Madenjian
- Dave Magoloff
- Anthony Maiorano
- Steven Markarian
- Paolo Mattiello
- Lyndal May
- Kelly McCarthy
The list continues with hundreds of other executives across various divisions. The promotion to managing director is the highest designation within the firm.
Institutional Securities Group Dominance
Nearly half of the new managing directors—approximately 48%—come from the firm's Institutional Securities Group. This specific division houses the client-facing investment banking and trading businesses. This concentration highlights the strategic importance of these sectors to Morgan Stanley's current operations.
The Institutional Securities Group is a core component of the bank's revenue structure. By promoting a significant portion of the new MDs from this group, the firm signals a continued focus on its trading and advisory services. This move aligns with the broader industry expectation of a more active dealmaking environment.
Wall Street Traditions 🏦
Winter promotions are an annual rite of passage on Wall Street. Major financial institutions typically announce these elevations in the final months of the year. Morgan Stanley's announcement follows similar elevations at rivals, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup.
In addition to the promotions, the firm also announced annual bonuses to its employees this week. These winter moves are designed to retain top talent and prepare the bank for the upcoming fiscal year. The increase in the size of the MD class suggests a bullish outlook on the bank's future growth.
Conclusion
Morgan Stanley's elevation of 184 new managing directors marks a significant expansion of its leadership team. With a focus on the Institutional Securities Group and a larger class size than the previous year, the bank is positioning itself for growth in a potentially active market. The full list of names represents the new faces steering the firm's future.
