R.J. O’Brien & Associates Secures Stephen Brodsky as Chief Strategy Officer

R.J. O’Brien & Associates, the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, has announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Stephen Brodsky as its Chief Strategy Officer.

Brodsky, who is also Senior Managing Director at the broker, is a long-time executive in exchange, trading and capital markets. He will report to Chairman and CEO Gerald Corcoran in the newly created role.

Most recently, Brodsky was the Chief Executive Officer at Spot Trading LLC, an equity options trading firm. He joined the company in 2010 as the Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to CEO in 2013.

During his extensive career, Brodsky has held several positions at the Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX). During his five years working for the exchange, he was CFO and then later President of the company in 2007. His experience also includes positions in private equity and investment banking.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO of the US-based broker, Corcoran, said: “Steve has made his mark with a diverse career and extensive markets, strategy, finance and leadership experience.

“It’s rare to find someone with such a powerful combination of hands-on markets and trading experience and capital markets as well as strategic expertise. We’re fortunate to be able to harness his background, skills and talent on behalf of RJO, as he Leads our strategic growth initiatives across all areas of the firm.”

Brodsky’s early career

Brodsky kicked off his career as an associate in the corporate finance department at John Nuveen & Co., Inc. In 1999, he joined Mesirow Financial where he worked until 2003. During his time at the company, he served as a Vice President in the investment banking department.

Between 1989 to 1993 Brodsky studied at the Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1996 he graduated from Northwestern University with an MBA and a Juris Doctor.

Brodsky added: “I had the opportunity to work with Gerry and RJO in my early days of investment banking and have always appreciated how the firm treats its clients, seizes opportunities and weathers industry events.

“I’m truly excited to embark on this next stage of my career and to have an impact on the organization going forward as we identify new areas of potential pursuit, analyze the evolving competitive landscape and meet ever-new challenges that face the futures industry.”