As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, and 2024 transitions to 2025, I too will be transitioning to a new role at this firm. After 20 years of being an executive, with the buck stopping here, the time has come to hand over the reins.
An era has ended and a new one has begun. I have spent many an hour reflecting on the evolution of this firm and the financial services industry at large. These are disruptive times and we operate in a fiercely disruptive industry. That’s the way it’s always been. That’s the way it will always be. In many ways, we at Bedell Frazier have been disruptors ourselves.
Now I embark on a new path, as Chairman, a role that didn’t exist before. But realistically, that’s the way I like it. It’s a blank sheet of paper and a new chapter untold. I like challenges. I like trying new things. For it’s the intellectual curiosity that drives me. I’m embracing the opportunity to be an agent for new ideas and uncharted territory. I definitely won’t stand still.
As we all know, the one constant in life is change. I’m embracing it with both hands and open arms. I’ve spent nearly half my life at this company. It’s a company that, after the first 9 years of service and substantial investment, added my name. This company has certainly grown in size and sophistication over the years.
All along, I wanted this Bedell Frazier name to be a brand, recognized in our community and industry, to stand for something special. In my mind, the brand stands for integrity and tenacity, humility and perseverance. The brand is intended to instill confidence that we can be counted on to show up every day, dark and early, no matter the circumstance. The brand was designed to earn your trust. That brand still stands.
So, the journey continues for me, albeit in a different position. In my role of Chairman, I will land in your inbox every Friday with the TGIF. I will also actively contribute and support with strategies. I expect to see you along the journey. I look forward to that!
Have a nice weekend. The baton has officially been handed off. The sun has set on my tenure as President of this dynamic company. We’ve been planning this for years. The next generation of Bedell Frazier, led by Meredith Rosen, will be back, dark and early on Monday. It’s the Bedell Frazier mindset. You can count on that.
Happy New Year!
Mike
