Lawrence "Larry" Martinez will become the chief executive officer for D.A. Davidson Companies early next year.
Martinez will replace James Kerr, chairman and CEO of the firm, who announced his retirement effective as of the company’s annual meeting in January 2022.
Martinez will take on the role of CEO, but Kerr will retain his position as executive chairman.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as CEO of D.A. Davidson over the past seven years. We have built a strong foundation and I have complete confidence in Larry as he steps into this role,” Jim Kerr said in a statement. “Larry has been an integral part of D.A. Davidson’s leadership team for nearly two decades, and I believe he has the right skillset and track record to lead the firm forward with continued success.”
Martinez has been president of D.A. Davidson since 2016, a director since 2017, and a member of its senior management team since joining the firm in 2002.
He has been integral to D.A. Davidson’s rapid growth and expansion across the United States by guiding numerous acquisitions throughout the years, including that of Crowell Weedon in 2013, Smith Hayes in 2016 and Marlin & Associates in 2021, according to the firm. He also served as the firm's chief administrative officer and general counsel.
Previously, Martinez was a partner in the corporate practice group with Dorsey & Whitney LLP. He later served as the president, CEO and director of Fireman’s Fund AgriBusiness, Inc.
“We thank Jim for his strategic guidance and contributions over the years, and I’m excited to work with him during his transition,” said Martinez. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to build on D.A. Davidson’s 86-year legacy in providing our clients exceptional service with a personal touch. As we look to the future, I am confident that our employees’ dedication to our company, our clients and our communities will continue to act as a catalyst for the firm’s growth and excellence.”
D.A. Davidson is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Montana, with corporate offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle, the company has approximately 1,400 employees and offices in 28 states.
Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., the largest full-service investment firm headquartered in the Northwest, providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company; and Davidson Fixed Income Management, a registered investment adviser providing fixed income portfolio and advisory services.
