James Haddon

Jim Haddon equates working in the financial world with a competitive event, which in the case of his multi-faceted career, would make him a decathlon winner.

“What has kept me interested in the financial world is I enjoy the competition,” said Haddon. “I enjoy working with clients. I enjoy solving client problems, and in the execution of those solutions, the endorphin rush that I get.” 

Haddon’s resume includes stints at Citigroup, The PFM Group, and his current position as senior managing director and head of strategic marketing at Ramirez & Co. 

His 40-plus years in the business include working as a managing director, fund raiser, asset manager, and marketing professional with a bit of investment banking mixed in. 

He’s been on the private and public sides of finance as the thrill of the deal keeps him coming back. 

In Haddon’s current role he is responsible for marketing Ramirez’s fixed income products and services to corporations, pension funds, and state and local governments. He also provides client service for select accounts.

Haddon’s day-to-day duties include focusing on developing marketing strategies to grow the firm’s asset management business. He leverages long-term relationships with a diverse cross-section of key decision makers including governors, mayors, chief financial officers, chief investment officers, and board directors. 

Haddon developed his wide range of contacts and experience by staying curious and flexible. “I think a lot of these companies want to keep you in a box,” Haddon said. “Other companies are more open to moving people around and giving them opportunities. You have to recognize growth areas and keep moving.” 

Haddon has a knack for building client confidence and forming partnerships at high levels. He’s adept at executing complex transactions and operating effectively within a regulatory environment. His skill set includes managing profit and loss operations, determining compensation and recruiting talent.   

Haddon has moved comfortably between majority- and minority-owned firms. He’s been named to Black Enterprise Magazine’s “Top 25 Blacks on Wall Street,” four times and serves as a mentor to investment banking professionals.  

While the current climate of diversity, equity, and inclusion has become politicized, Haddon is reaching back to the roots of the movement. “I really believe that DEI is all about equal access,” he said. “The best and most qualified person should rise to the top.”

“If we do that, we will have diversity. Diversity is very important. Diversity of thought, and diversity of people because that gets you creativity. When you limit diversity, you limit creativity.” 

Haddon spends most of his time looking forward, but when reflecting on his most treasured accomplishments, two rise to the top. Both happened during his tenure at Citigroup where he worked directly with New York City muni market transactions. 

“I was co-head of the infrastructure group and stadiums came under our purview,” he said. “We were ahead of the curve marketing to big cities who were looking to build stadiums, initially starting with baseball stadiums, then onto football stadiums and basketball arenas. That business continues.”

Haddon also blazed a trail with tobacco bonds. “We did the first tobacco securitization ever done for New York City, which is a very creative issue,” he said. “We then branched out with the model around the country and won tobacco financing deals for many states.” 

In his free time Haddon keeps sports stadiums on the front burner by attending games involving the New York Giants, Knicks, and Mets. His two children have left the nest which leaves more time for cultivating an interest in fine art. 

Haddon holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BA in economics from Wesleyan University.