Rising Stars of Wall Street: 7 Young Bankers Driving M&A Surge
UPDATE: Wall Street is experiencing a dealmaking surge, and a new generation of investment bankers is at the forefront. As major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) gain momentum, seven rising stars are making headlines with their significant contributions to the industry.
In just the past two quarters, deal activity has ramped up, with investment bankers advising on record-breaking transactions. These nominees, all based in the U.S. and aged 35 or younger, are reshaping the landscape of finance and investment.
Among these standout bankers is Mary-Grace Papatheodorou, 35, a managing director at Morgan Stanley. Since joining the firm in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in some of 2025’s most notable IPOs, including Figma and Chime. Reflecting on her career, Papatheodorou says, “You have to ask — the worst that can happen is someone says no.” Her work exemplifies the daring spirit of this new wave of talent.
Meanwhile, Aman Mittal, also 35, is making strides at Moelis & Company, focusing on the booming data center sector. He has advised on over $25 billion in deals, including the recent $9 billion sale of Core Scientific to CoreWeave. Mittal’s background in electronics and communications engineering in India, followed by an MBA from NYU, has equipped him to thrive in this fast-evolving market.
At JPMorgan, Jack Levendoski, 35, is riding the M&A rebound, having worked on high-profile transactions such as Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk. Levendoski emphasizes the rapid changes in the market, stating, “It feels extremely busy.” His extensive experience includes advising on over $300 billion in deal value, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex transactions.
The secondary market is also booming, with Joe Slevin, 35, of Jefferies, leading the charge. His team has facilitated more than $31 billion in secondary transactions this year alone. Slevin’s work emphasizes the growth potential in the private equity resale market, which saw a record $103 billion in activity globally in the first half of 2025.
At Morgan Stanley, Jackie Shepherd, 34, is transforming corporate structures with her advisory role in spin-offs. Shepherd has helped manage around $250 billion in corporate carve-outs, including Comcast’s upcoming separation of its cable networks. Her focus on disentangling businesses reflects the strategic direction of media companies as they adapt to new challenges.
Joining the ranks of executives leading the secondaries advisory at Goldman Sachs, Josef Menasche, 34, has emerged as an influential figure. He reports a turning point in 2025 as creativity returns to the market, enabling significant deals across various sectors.
Finally, Florian Plath, 34, at JPMorgan, has been instrumental in major tech acquisitions, including Broadcom’s historic $90 billion purchase of VMware. Plath’s early career began with an internship at JPMorgan, and he has since become a key advisor in M&A, particularly in dynamic markets like technology.
As these bankers make their mark, the urgency in the financial sector is palpable, and their innovative strategies could redefine the future of investment banking. The race is on to watch for their next big moves in a market that is rapidly evolving.
Stay tuned for more updates on these rising stars and the impact they will continue to have on Wall Street and beyond.
