Chris Gaertner

Chris Gaertner is Global Head of Technology Investment Banking at Rothschild & Co.

In this role, Chris is leading and coordinating the effort of more than 1,000 advisors across 55 offices in 40 countries.  In addition, he is responsible for building client relationships with many of the leading software, enterprise systems and Internet companies in the technology industry.  This includes M&A, Equity and Debt advisory and services. Prior to joining Rothschild in 2017, Chris was Global Head of Corporate Finance at Credit Suisse where he led and grew the firm’s technology investment banking practice.  Earlier in his career, Chris was a Managing Director in the Technology Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Chris joined Merrill Lynch in 2005 and was Head of Merrill’s Technology Group, Head of Global Software and Enterprise Technology Investment Banking. Chris was a Managing Director at Lehman Brothers, recruited to establish the firm’s west coast software effort.

Prior to his banking career, Chris was President and Technical Director for W. W. Gaertner Research. He sold the firm to General Electric Corporation plc where he remained as a Managing Director of their US research division. Chris was an Infantry Officer in the United States Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps and 1st Special Operations Command. He is an Airborne, Ranger, Jumpmaster, Pathfinder, Jungle and Sniper school graduate.

Chris is a Master Scuba Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor. He provides volunteer pilot services and aircraft for Medevac, Pilots & Paws Pet Rescue, Angel Flight West, and Veteran’s Airlift Command flights. He also provides mentorship for returning veterans through ACP (American Corporate Partners).

Chris has his CFA and received his M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, his M.S.E.E. from Columbia and his B.S.E.E. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.