Evercore hires veteran duo to lead defense, aerospace practice

Investment banking firm Evercore has expanded its aerospace and defense practice with the hiring of John Song and Jean Stack, who have joined the company from competitor R.W. Baird.

Song and Stack led Baird’s defense, space and government group for nearly a decade. They joined Baird in 2018 after a decade at Houlihan Lokey.

They have closed 100 transactions valued at about $50 billion combined, according to Evercore. The duo have been named senior managing directors at Evercore.

“Their addition further deepens our leading aerospace & defense capabilities, strengthens our industrials franchise and reflects our continued investment in the sector,” Jason Sobol, co-head of U.S. investment banking at Evercore, said in a release. “Their extensive relationships and experience will enhance the differentiated advice we provide to our clients.”

Song and Stack were managing directors and co-heads of Baird's defense, space and government investment banking practice.

“Evercore’s distinguished reputation for execution excellence is something we deeply admire, and we are excited to be joining the team,” Song said in the Evercore announcement.

“[We] look forward to continuing to serve clients supporting the national security mission for the U.S. and our allies,” Stack added.

A Baird spokeswoman said the defense, space and government practice remains a strategic priority for the bank.

The group is led by senior banker Jonathan Kirkland and works across the government technology, software, aerospace, IT services and equity capital markets.