Mesirow Names Shawn Beber Chief Executive

The Chicago firm's board unanimously chose Beber, a former CIBC Bank USA president and CEO, to succeed Richard S. Price as CEO.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People

Photograph looking up at tall limestone and glass office towers under a clear sky in Chicago's downtown financial district, with a single rooftop flagpole. — Mesirow named Shawn Beber as its next chief executive on Tuesday, succeeding Richard S. Price, who will remain as executive chairman after the board's unanimous vote. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Mesirow has named Shawn Beber as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Richard S. Price, who will remain on as executive chairman. The board of directors voted unanimously for the appointment following an extensive search.

Why it matters

The leadership change comes as Mesirow pursues growth through strategic acquisitions, organic expansion and investment in specialist capabilities. The firm reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision as of Sept. 30, and its new CEO brings more than two decades of experience at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Mesirow reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision as of Sept. 30, while its wealth management unit held approximately $14 billion in assets under management and advisement as of March 31. The announcement does not specify the effective start date of Beber's tenure or any planned changes to these operations.

The players

Mesirow

Mesirow is a Chicago-headquartered financial services firm with roughly 90 years of history, offering wealth management, fiduciary and investment services.

Shawn Beber

Shawn Beber is a longtime banking executive who previously led CIBC Bank USA after more than two decades at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Richard S. Price

Richard S. Price is the outgoing Mesirow chief executive who will remain with the firm as executive chairman.

The details

Shawn Beber, who spent more than two decades at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and most recently served as president and CEO of CIBC Bank USA, will succeed Richard S. Price. Price will focus on organizational strategy and the firm's civic and community work as executive chairman.

2017: CIBC acquired The PrivateBank for $5 billion.
July: Mesirow closed its acquisition of LeafHouse Financial Advisors, now operating as Precision Fiduciary Partners.
August: Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions agreed to buy the plan-level 3(38) business of flexPATH Strategies.
September: Mark K. Nichol joined Mesirow Wealth Management.
Sept. 30: Mesirow reported $410.3 billion in assets under supervision.

Market Landscape

Beber's background at CIBC Bank USA ties Mesirow's leadership to a U.S. banking franchise that expanded through CIBC's 2017 purchase of The PrivateBank for $5 billion. The move reflects how regional wealth and banking firms in Chicago are recruiting executives with large-institution experience as they compete for fiduciary and advisory assets.

For clients of Mesirow's wealth management and fiduciary platforms, the leadership transition is unlikely to change day-to-day service in the short term, as the announcement does not indicate any product or pricing changes. Advisors and plan sponsors working with the firm's outsourced fiduciary business may watch whether the expansion strategy alters service offerings over time.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at established wealth firms often signal strategic continuity when an outgoing CEO stays on in a chairman role. Investors and clients can watch whether Beber's banking background shapes Mesirow's approach to acquisitions and specialist capabilities in the coming quarters.