Tracy Farr Takes the Helm as Chief Financial Officer of Lazard, Inc.

Tracy Farr Takes Over as CFO at Lazard

In a significant update for the finance community, Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) has announced the appointment of Tracy Farr as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2026. With a robust experience spanning over 20 years in the finance sector, Mr. Farr has established himself as a notable figure in corporate finance, particularly during his tenure at Lazard, where he has been since 2013.

A Proven Track Record in Finance

Tracy Farr previously held the position of Managing Director within Lazard’s Capital Structure Advisory group. His role involved designing complex deal structures and offering comprehensive financing solutions. He has been pivotal in advising clients on significant mergers and acquisitions (MA), including managing transactions across various industries and geographies. This extensive experience equips him with a unique perspective to lead Lazard's financial strategies as the company moves forward.

Before joining Lazard, Mr. Farr was a Certified Public Accountant at EY and contributed his expertise to the Financial Accounting Standards Board as a researcher. His background includes consulting, forensic accounting, and internal audit, paving a well-rounded foundation for his leadership role at Lazard.

Transition of Leadership

Tracy Farr succeeds Mary Ann Betsch, who will continue to support the firm as a senior advisor during the transition. Ms. Betsch joined Lazard in 2022 and has been instrumental in enhancing the firm’s financial infrastructure and reporting capabilities. Her tenure saw significant achievements, including guiding the company through its transition to a C-corporation and broadening shareholder engagement.

In his announcement regarding this appointment, Peter R. Orszag, CEO and Chairman of Lazard, expressed enthusiasm for Mr. Farr's promotion, highlighting his strategic insight and familiarity with the firm's operations. Orszag emphasized that Farr embodies the best attributes of Lazard, and is expected to lead initiatives that drive operational efficiency and profitable growth aligned with Lazard's goals for 2030.

The Future Ahead

In response to his new role, Mr. Farr commented on his commitment to aligning Lazard's financial strategies with the firm’s long-term initiatives. He plans to build upon the achievements of Ms. Betsch and the dedicated finance team at Lazard. As he embarks on this journey, the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that are hallmarks of Lazard remain at the forefront of his leadership philosophy.

In addition to this major leadership change, Lazard also released its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2025, marking a period of growth and demonstrating the firm’s resilience in the fluctuating economic landscape.

About Tracy Farr and Lazard

Tracy Farr, equipped with both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Accounting from Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business, serves on the institution's National Advisory Council. His breadth of experience positions him well to navigate the complexities of modern finance and strategy.

Founded in 1848, Lazard stands out as a leading financial advisory and asset management firm. With a presence across major global markets, Lazard delivers critical insights and solutions in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring, and asset management among other areas. As they move into this new chapter with Mr. Farr at the financial helm, Lazard aims to continue providing first-rate advisory services to its clientele worldwide.

For further updates, visit Lazard’s official website and follow them on their LinkedIn page.