Oppenheimer Appoints Chris DeFalco and John Hyland as Co-Heads of Equity Capital Markets Division

Oppenheimer Appoints New Co-Heads of Equity Capital Markets

On March 24, 2026, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., a prominent investment banking firm and subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., announced the appointment of Chris DeFalco and John Hyland as Co-Heads of its Equity Capital Markets (ECM) group. This pivotal move signifies Oppenheimer's commitment to strengthening its capital markets capabilities and enhancing the firm's footprint in the financial landscape.

New Leadership Roles

In their dual roles as Co-Heads, DeFalco and Hyland will jointly oversee the strategic direction and operational execution within the ECM division, while also focusing on the enhancement of Oppenheimer's product offerings across various industry sectors. Both leaders will participate in the firm's Investment Banking Commitment Committee to ensure robust oversight and execution of equity capital market activities. This collaborative approach aims to deepen client relationships and strengthen the firm's market position.

Peter Bennett, the previous head of Equity Capital Markets, will transition into a leadership role within Oppenheimer’s Corporate Executive Services team. In his new position, Bennett will work on improving the synergy between Investment Banking and Wealth Management, thereby providing a more integrated experience for clients navigating their evolving financial needs.

Robert Lowenthal, President and CEO of Oppenheimer and Co-Head of Investment Banking, emphasized the significance of this leadership transition. He remarked, "Chris and John have each earned the trust of clients and colleagues through years of disciplined execution and thoughtful leadership. Together, they bring a powerful combination of sector depth, capital markets experience, and a collaborative approach that will help us extend the strength of our ECM franchise."

Profiles of the New Co-Heads

Chris DeFalco

Chris DeFalco has been with Oppenheimer since 2015 and is recognized as a specialist in Consumer, Healthcare, and Technology growth equity. His impressive track record includes over 285 equity and equity-linked offerings as either a bookrunner or lead manager. DeFalco also led the firm's Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) practice, collaborating with growth companies and their sponsors to navigate alternative paths to public markets. A graduate of Rutgers University, DeFalco is well-versed in the evolving dynamics of capital markets.

John Hyland

Joining Oppenheimer in 2021, John Hyland has played a crucial role in expanding the firm's ECM franchise, with significant emphasis on initial public offerings (IPOs) within the Consumer, Financial Institutions, Industrials, and Technology sectors. Hyland brings more than 20 years of capital markets experience, having orchestrated over 200 offerings as either a bookrunner or lead manager. Prior to his tenure at Oppenheimer, he honed his expertise at Bank of America and Barclays, focusing on equity capital markets transactions and institutional equity sales. Hyland holds a degree from Washington and Lee University and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

The Path Ahead

In a joint statement, both DeFalco and Hyland expressed their enthusiasm for their new responsibilities, aiming to sustain and build upon the strong foundation established by Bennett and the team. They stated, "Our focus will be on delivering consistent execution, maintaining direct and ongoing dialogue with our clients, and expanding the breadth of what we can do for them. By fostering closer collaboration across the firm, we can better support corporate leaders at not only the transactional level but also as long-term partners as their businesses grow."

About Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. is a key subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., operating as a leading middle-market investment bank and a full-service broker-dealer. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management services tailored to corporations, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. This new appointment is poised to fortify Oppenheimer's commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions in the competitive investment banking sector.