Stephanie Braming, CFA, partner, global head of William Blair Investment Management, has been named to Forbes’ fourth annual 50 Over 50 list. First launched in 2021 in partnership with Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski and her Know Your Value initiative, the list honors 50 women across industries who reject the conventional wisdom that their best years are behind them.
“I believe that my years of experience and non-linear career path give me a perspective that I didn’t have in my 20s or 30s. As a leader, I listen more and ask questions with a focus on empowering teams. However, sometimes experience suppresses innovation and leads to complacency. I guard against that by purposefully expanding my horizons in what I read, what I listen to, and seeking out different perspectives or areas of expertise,” says Stephanie.
Stephanie joined William Blair in 2004 and was named global head of William Blair Investment Management in 2017. She sets Investment Management’s strategic direction, including leading and empowering the firm's investment, distribution, and infrastructure teams. She is president and chair of the board of trustees of the William Blair Funds, chair of the William Blair SICAV, and serves on the firm’s governing executive committee. She is also an executive sponsor for the William Blair Women’s Alliance. Prior to 2017, Stephanie served as a portfolio manager for the International Growth and International Small Cap strategies totaling $20 billion in assets under management (AUM).
During her tenure as global head of Investment Management, Stephanie has overseen the launch of 13 new investment strategies with external assets; spearheaded an 11-person emerging markets debt team lift-out; acquired a $4.2 billion U.S. value firm; and continued our global expansion by adding distribution personnel in Asia and Europe. Each year under her leadership, William Blair Investment Management has been named a Best Place to Work in Asset Management by Pensions & Investments.
In 2024, Stephanie was named a 2024 Trailblazing Woman by the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP). Other recent recognition includes Pensions & Investments’ Most Influential Women in Institutional Investing 2023 and 2024; Barron's Influential Women in Institutional Investing 2023 and 2024; and American Banker Most Powerful Women in Finance 2023.
Stephanie is a member of the CFA Institute, the Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, The International Women's Foundation, and CFA Society Chicago. She also serves on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and on its investment committee. Stephanie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where she also serves on the finance committee and as Vice Chair of the audit committee. She serves on the Board of Working in the Schools and is a member of its finance committee.
Stephanie has the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship Certification. She received a B.A. in English literature from DePauw University and an M.B.A. in economics and finance from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.