Mesirow has named Shawn Beber as its next chief executive officer, bringing the former CIBC Bank USA leader to the top position at the Chicago-based financial services firm. Announced on November 3, 2026, the appointment follows an extensive executive search and marks a leadership transition in which Richard S. Price will continue serving as executive chairman. The change comes as Mesirow expands its wealth management, investment banking, and retirement services businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Mesirow’s board unanimously appointed Shawn Beber as its next chief executive officer
- Beber previously served as president and CEO of CIBC Bank USA and held several senior leadership positions at CIBC
- Richard S. Price will remain executive chairman, focusing on organizational strategy and civic and community engagement
- The appointment followed a roughly year-long executive search and brings an external leader into the firm’s top executive position
- Mesirow reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision as of September 30, 2026, while continuing to expand through acquisitions and organic growth
Mesirow CEO Appointment Follows Extensive Executive Search
The Mesirow CEO appointment follows a roughly year-long search to identify the financial services firm’s next chief executive. Its board of directors unanimously selected Shawn Beber, bringing an experienced banking executive into a leadership position previously filled by executives from within the organization.
Beber’s selection represents a significant change for Mesirow, which was founded in 1937 and has historically promoted leaders from inside the company. He becomes the firm’s first externally hired CEO, bringing experience from a major international banking organization to an independent, employee-owned financial services business.
As CEO, Beber will oversee Mesirow’s overall business performance, strategic initiatives, and growth priorities. His responsibilities extend across the firm’s investment banking, asset management, wealth management, and other specialized financial services operations.
The appointment also establishes a defined division of leadership responsibilities. Beber assumes executive management duties, while Price continues in his existing executive chairman role, maintaining involvement in the firm’s broader strategic direction.
Shawn Beber Brings Banking and Financial Services Experience
Beber joins Mesirow after more than two decades at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he held senior positions across commercial banking, wealth management, risk management, legal affairs, and corporate strategy.
Most recently, he served as president and CEO of CIBC Bank USA, overseeing the bank’s U.S. operations during a period of economic and market uncertainty. His previous leadership responsibilities included managing business activities and supporting the organization’s expansion across the American financial services market.
His appointment reflects a broader pattern of senior banking leadership transitions in which experienced executives move into new roles at major financial institutions. At Mesirow, Beber’s responsibilities will extend beyond commercial banking to a diversified portfolio of investment and advisory businesses.
During his tenure at CIBC, Beber played a role in the bank’s expansion in the United States, including its approximately $5 billion acquisition of The PrivateBank in 2017. That transaction helped establish a larger U.S. presence for the Canadian financial institution.
Beber also brings experience in corporate development and strategic planning, both relevant to Mesirow’s ongoing efforts to expand its business capabilities. His background combines operational leadership with experience in acquisitions and financial services management.
Outside his corporate responsibilities, Beber has served on several civic and nonprofit boards, including the Northwestern Memorial Foundation and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. His community involvement aligns with Mesirow’s established emphasis on civic engagement.
Richard S. Price Continues as Executive Chairman
Richard S. Price will continue serving as Mesirow’s executive chairman following Beber’s appointment. His responsibilities will center on organizational strategy and civic and community engagement, allowing him to remain involved in the firm’s long-term priorities while Beber leads its operations.
The arrangement is comparable to other financial services leadership transitions that assign chief executive and executive chairman responsibilities to different leaders. At Mesirow, the transition preserves Price’s existing chairmanship while transferring chief executive responsibilities to Beber.
Price has spent more than five decades with Mesirow and has held several senior leadership positions, including president, chief operating officer, and chief executive officer. His continued involvement provides institutional experience as Beber assumes responsibility for the company’s business performance and strategic execution.
The leadership change also maintains continuity in areas where Price has played a longstanding role, particularly corporate strategy and community relationships. Rather than departing the organization, he will remain part of its senior leadership structure alongside the incoming CEO.
Mesirow Continues Expanding Its Financial Services Businesses
The leadership appointment comes during a period of expansion for Mesirow, which operates across investment banking, institutional asset management, wealth management, private capital, and other financial services.
The firm has pursued acquisitions and strategic investments to strengthen its existing capabilities. In July 2026, Mesirow completed its acquisition of LeafHouse Financial Advisors and launched Precision Fiduciary Partners, expanding its retirement plan fiduciary services.
Mesirow also completed the acquisition of flexPATH Strategies’ plan-level 3(38) fiduciary business in October 2026. The transaction expanded its capabilities in custom portfolio construction and outsourced fiduciary services for financial advisors, retirement plan sponsors, and institutional partners.
These acquisitions form part of Mesirow’s broader strategy of developing specialized financial services businesses through targeted transactions and organic growth.
As of September 30, 2026, Mesirow reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision. This measure includes regulatory assets under management, assets under advisement, and certain currency-related assets, reflecting the scope of the firm’s financial services activities.
The company’s expansion provides an important backdrop to Beber’s appointment. His previous experience managing banking operations and supporting corporate development initiatives will inform his leadership of a business with multiple specialized financial services divisions.
New CEO Appointment Supports Mesirow’s Long-Term Strategy
The Mesirow CEO appointment introduces an executive with extensive banking experience while preserving continuity through Price’s ongoing involvement as executive chairman.
The company has identified strategic acquisitions, organic growth, and investment in specialized capabilities as priorities for its continued development. Beber will oversee these efforts as part of his broader responsibility for the firm’s operations and financial performance.
His appointment gives Mesirow a new chief executive with experience across banking, corporate development, and financial services management. Price’s continued role provides a connection to the company’s established leadership and strategic priorities as the transition takes effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shawn Beber, Mesirow’s new CEO?
Shawn Beber is a financial services executive who previously served as president and CEO of CIBC Bank USA. He has more than 25 years of experience across banking, corporate strategy, risk management, and financial services leadership.
What position did Shawn Beber hold before joining Mesirow?
Before joining Mesirow, Beber served as president and CEO of CIBC Bank USA, the U.S. banking subsidiary of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He also held senior leadership positions across several CIBC business functions.
Who did Shawn Beber succeed as Mesirow CEO?
Shawn Beber succeeds Richard S. Price as Mesirow’s chief executive officer. Price will continue serving as executive chairman, with responsibilities involving organizational strategy and civic and community engagement.
How was Shawn Beber selected as Mesirow CEO?
Mesirow’s board of directors unanimously approved Beber’s appointment following an extensive executive search that lasted approximately one year.
What businesses does Mesirow operate?
Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm with operations spanning investment banking, institutional asset management, wealth management, private capital, currency management, and fiduciary solutions. The company reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision as of September 30, 2026.
