Stifel, Nicolaus and Company, the broker-dealer subsidiary of Stifel Financial, has named Michael O’Keeffe as its new CIO and head of investment strategy.

O’Keeffe will now spearhead the team that develops investment strategy and corresponding investment solutions for financial advisers and clients of Stifel’s private client group.

Stifel senior managing director of investment products and services Tom Lee said: “We have made great strides in our approach to investment strategy over the last several years. Michael and the team will take this work to the next level, and we are excited to have someone of his caliber leading our Investment Strategy team.”

O’Keeffe joined Stifel in 2013 and founded the firm’s private wealth services group.

He formerly served as the CIO and head of investment management and guidance at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, and headed the Wilshire Funds Management Group at Wilshire Associates.

“Stifel provides financial advisers choice, including how they invest for clients.  Investment Strategy plays an important part, offering both strategy guideposts and investment solutions for our advisers. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this effort for Stifel,” O’Keeffe stated.