William Blair, a global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, has elected Brent Gledhill as chief executive officer. Gledhill succeeds John Ettelson, who will become the firm’s chairman.

Gledhill joined the firm as an investment banker in 1997. In his time with the firm, he was promoted to head the European and Asian banking group and later was named global head of investment banking. Under Gledhill’s leadership, the firm opened offices around the globe and completed strategic partnerships in Asia, Israel and Australia.

“I am honored to have been elected as William Blair’s CEO and entrusted to serve the firm by empowering our global team and preserving our unique culture,” Gledhill said. “I want to thank my colleagues at William Blair, especially John, for making this transition as smooth as possible and executing at the highest level day in and day out to ensure our clients’ continued success.”