Rick Bienkowski, Ph.D.,
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. has expanded its biotechnology equity research platform with the appointment of Rick Bienkowski, Ph.D., and Caroline Palomeque as managing directors, strengthening the firm’s coverage of gene therapy, genetic medicine and emerging life sciences companies.
The hires reflect the firm’s continued investment in equity research as institutional investors seek deeper analysis of rapidly evolving biotechnology sectors. Based in New York, Bienkowski and Palomeque will broaden Ladenburg Thalmann’s research coverage across innovative biotech companies and help support the firm’s institutional client base with sector-focused insights and fundamental research.
Michael Gideon, co-chief executive officer of Ladenburg Thalmann, said the additions enhance the firm’s biotechnology expertise by combining scientific backgrounds with extensive equity research experience. He noted that both analysts bring a strong track record of evaluating biotechnology companies and emerging therapeutic technologies.
Jeffrey Cohen, director of research at Ladenburg Thalmann, said the appointments add depth to the firm’s biotechnology research capabilities and support efforts to expand coverage within one of the market’s most active healthcare segments.
Bienkowski joins the firm from Cantor Fitzgerald, where he served as director of biotechnology equity research covering gene editing, cell therapy and genetic medicine companies. Earlier in his career, he held biotechnology research positions at SVB Leerink and RBC Capital Markets. He earned a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
Palomeque most recently worked as an equity research analyst at Berenberg Capital Markets. Her biotechnology research experience also includes positions at Maxim Group and WallachBeth, as well as roles on biotechnology research teams at Oppenheimer, JMP Securities and Goldman Sachs. She holds an MBA in Finance from Fordham Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The appointments expand Ladenburg Thalmann’s healthcare and life sciences research capabilities as biotechnology companies continue to attract investor attention for advances in gene therapy, cell therapy and precision medicine. The firm said the new analysts will play a key role in delivering industry analysis and company coverage to institutional investors.
Ladenburg Thalmann, a subsidiary of Osaic, provides investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading services. Founded in 1876, the firm offers capital raising, mergers and acquisitions advisory, corporate finance and other capital markets services. Osaic supports more than 10,000 financial professionals and is among the largest wealth management platforms in the United States.