OUR PEOPLE
Benjamin Scott Bram
CEO
Benjamin Scott Bram is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, where he guides the firm’s strategic direction and oversees key investment banking services. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in corporate finance, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the technology and energy sectors. Benjamin’s leadership has been pivotal in executing transformative deals and building trusted client relationships.
He holds an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago. Benjamin is a recognized speaker on market dynamics and investment strategies and is dedicated to mentoring future finance leaders.
Dmitriy Rutitskiy
Chief Financial Officer
David Joseph Dempsey
Senior Investment Banker
David Dempsey serves as the Senior Investment Banker at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC., where he draws upon his rich 26-year experience in healthcare, biotechnology, and mergers and acquisitions. A distinguished alumnus of Pepperdine University and holder of a postgraduate degree in International Business and Finance from New York University, Mr. Dempsey has been instrumental in the expansion of Watermill’s Technology and Biotech sectors. His keen ability to identify valuable opportunities has culminated in a consistent track record of strategic triumphs for the company.
Outside the confines of his profession, Mr. Dempsey cherishes his family life, being a devoted father to four children, and revels in leisure pursuits like skiing, hiking, golfing, and tennis.
Gregory Wachsteter
Managing Director
Gregory Wachsteter is the Managing Director and Chief Strategist at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, where he oversees institutional trading strategy and client portfolio management. With over 24 years of experience at premier financial institutions, he holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (British and Commonwealth) from Colorado State University. Mr. Wachsteter is recognized for driving profitability across global markets while maintaining active involvement in financial education initiatives.
Ethan Russell
Senior Managing Director
Ethan Russell is the Senior Managing Director at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC. He began his distinguished career at Lehman Brothers and subsequently took on significant roles at Neuberger, Covington & Burling LLP, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. A graduate with a JD from a renowned American institution, he also holds a BA in Diplomatic History and Political Science. Beyond his pivotal role at Watermill, Ethan is an active board member of various organizations, highlighting his dedication to both the financial realm and the wider community.
Michael Sawyer
Director of Legal
Michael Sawyer, Director of Legal for Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, is a seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career trajectory. Before joining Watermill, he was a partner at the global law firm Cooley, LLP, where his expertise in securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate affairs was prominently recognized. Notably, he played an instrumental role in the initial public offerings of Aquestive and Taiwan Liposome Company. Michael is an alumnus of Yeshiva University, graduating Cum Laude, and furthered his academic achievements by obtaining his Juris Doctor degree Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond his professional commitments, Michael’s passion for tennis mirrors his dynamic approach in the legal domain.
Liam Connor
VP of Investments
Liam Connor is the VP of Investments at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey, bringing over two decades of expertise from leading financial institutions like Columbia and NYU. Known for his strategic insights and analytical skills, Liam plays a key role in the firm’s navigation of volatile markets. Beyond finance, he is committed to his community through local charity support and values quality time with his family, embodying Watermill Institutional Trading’s principles of integrity and community.
Caleb Warner
Director of Asset Management
Caleb Warner, Director of Asset Management at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, leverages over 15 years of experience in New York and New Jersey’s investment sector to drive the firm’s strategic asset allocation and portfolio optimization. A Wharton School BSc in Finance and Columbia Business School MBA graduate, Caleb holds a CFA designation, underscoring his expertise in achieving superior investment outcomes. At Watermill, he excels in managing complex portfolios, balancing growth with risk management. His dedication extends beyond the firm through active engagement with the CFA Institute and NYSSA, contributing to the finance community’s growth.
Gabriel Pierce
Managing Director
Gabriel Pierce, Managing Director of Watermill Institutional Trading LLC since 2012, is an investment banking veteran known for driving significant growth, including expanding assets under management from $30M to $400M. He leads the Technical Services and Investment Strategy divisions, demonstrating expertise in pensions, investments, and inheritance planning. A Harvard University graduate and a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), Gabriel is recognized as an industry thought leader. Beyond finance, he showcases his versatility by directing Meav Productions. His strategic acumen and client-focused approach underscore his influential role in financial services.
Benjamin Grant
Associate
Benjamin Grant joined Watermill Institutional Trading LLC as an associate in 2017. Before his tenure at Watermill, he worked as a Junior Investment Banking Analyst at Merrill Lynch, where he specialized in M&A and SPAC transactions, primarily within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Benjamin also gained valuable experience through summer internships at BB&T Capital Markets in Boston and Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York. He earned his B.A. in Finance, with minors in Accounting and Economics, from Brown University, and later pursued an MBA in International Business from Columbia University. Outside of the financial world, Benjamin enjoys traveling, tennis, fitness routines, and is an avid football enthusiast.
Alexander Gray
Head of Investor Solutions
Alexander Gray, Head of Investor Solutions at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, brings over two decades of investment expertise across various asset classes. Since joining Watermill in 2012, he has held several prominent roles, including Deputy CIO, Head of Equities, and Head of Global Investment and Product Strategy. Alexander’s prior experience includes positions at Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Citadel. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School, he has earned numerous accolades for his significant contributions to the financial sector. Alexander’s career underscores his commitment to tailored investment strategies and his vision for the financial industry’s future.
Logan Watts
VP Account Executive
Logan Watts serves as VP Account Executive at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. An alumnus of Columbia University with a degree in Economics, Logan has demonstrated his expertise in deal structuring and due diligence since joining Watermill in 2021. His previous experience includes roles at Citigroup, Fidelity Investments, and Charles Schwab. Logan’s analytical skills and collaborative approach have been pivotal in executing several high-profile transactions for the firm.
Cooper Flyn
Relationship Manager
Cooper Flyn is a Relationship Manager at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. Holding an MBA from Harvard Business School, Cooper has been instrumental in fostering and maintaining strong client relationships for Watermill since 2018. His deep understanding of client needs, combined with his strategic insights, ensures tailored financial solutions for the firm’s high-net-worth individuals. Outside of work, Cooper is passionate about participating in local community outreach programs.
Victoria Langley
VP Account Executive
Victoria Langley serves as a VP Account Executive at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. With a degree in Economics from Yale University, Victoria has been instrumental in assessing and managing credit risks for Watermill since joining in 2021. Her meticulous evaluations have played a key role in the firm’s prudent lending decisions. Beyond her professional commitments, Victoria enjoys historical literature and is a member of a local book club.
Asher Carson
FX Trader
Asher Carson holds the role of FX Trader at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. With a master’s in international finance from Stanford University, Asher has effectively navigated the complexities of currency markets for Watermill since 2020. His keen market insights and timely trading decisions have consistently added value to the firm’s foreign exchange portfolio. Outside of trading, Asher is passionate about global travel, exploring diverse cultures and cuisines.
Malcolm Brinton
Operations Specialist
Malcolm Brinton serves as an Operations Specialist at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey’s financial district. A proud alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in Business Analytics, Malcolm has been instrumental in optimizing the firm’s transaction processes since joining in 2021, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. In his free time, he is an avid hiker, frequently exploring the trails of the Northeast.
Noah Davis
Account Executive
Noah Davis serves as an Account Executive at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. After completing his marketing degree in London, Noah honed his client engagement and sales skills under the mentorship of Mr. David Dempsey. Now a key member of Watermill’s team, he focuses on developing client relationships and driving business growth. Noah continues to expand his expertise through evening classes in New York, demonstrating his commitment to both professional and academic advancement.
Jason Fairfax
Client Relationship Representative
Jason Fairfax is a dynamic Client Relationship Representative at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC in New Jersey. A graduate of USC with a degree in Business Administration, Jason quickly made his mark in the financial services industry. Under the mentorship of industry veteran David Dempsey, he developed a strong expertise in strategic client management and business development. At Watermill, Jason is recognized for his innovative approaches to client engagement and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s high-net-worth client portfolio. Outside of his professional life, Jason is actively involved in community financial literacy programs and serves as a guest lecturer at local universities, sharing his insights on finance and client relations. His unique blend of practical experience, community involvement, and dedication to education makes him a standout professional in the finance sector.
Brian McCormick
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Brian McCormick is the Chief Strategy Officer at Watermill Institutional Trading LLC, bringing over 17 years of financial industry experience to lead the firm’s strategic planning and growth initiatives. A Harvard Business School MBA and University of Oxford Economics graduate, Brian’s expertise spans investment management and corporate finance. Prior to his tenure at Watermill, he held significant roles at leading financial institutions, where he developed strategies that enhanced competitive positions and drove business success. At Watermill, Brian’s strategic vision and leadership are key to navigating the evolving market landscape, ensuring the firm’s robust performance and sustainable growth.