Morgan Stanley Brings Back Veteran Dealmaker Michael Grimes as Chairman
Synopsis
Morgan Stanley has brought back veteran banker Michael Grimes as chairman of investment banking. Grimes, who previously spent over 30 years at the firm, played a key role advising technology companies on landmark deals, including Facebook and LinkedIn IPOs. He left in 2021 to serve at the U.S. Department of Commerce, focusing on technology and supply chain policy. His return strengthens Morgan Stanley’s advisory capabilities in mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings, particularly in the technology sector, and supports senior client engagement as global deal activity picks up.
Morgan Stanley has also brought in the services of long-time technology dealmaker Michael Grimes, who has been made the chairman of investment banking at the company after spending over four years in the government. The relocation was announced in an internal release dated February 9, 2026, and it is an indication that the bank is working to strengthen its advisory capabilities and, in particular, in the technology area.
Grimes will be engaged with senior clients and assist with key strategic deals in his new position. His work will involve arbitration on mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings, especially concerning technology firms, where he has established a large portion of his reputation.
Return Follows Senior Role in the U.S. Department of Commerce
In 2021, Grimes resigned from Morgan Stanley to go to the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he worked in a senior role on technology and economic policy. His work encompassed funding semiconductor investment projects and investments to reinforce supply chains, which have been on the agenda of the United States over the past few years.
Returning to Morgan Stanley is a move back to the dealmaking business in the private sphere after serving in government-oriented technology and industrial policy. The experience also enabled him to have a greater understanding of the regulatory and policy landscape that involves the technology industry.
Grimes joins with 30 years of experience at his former employer, Morgan Stanley, where he helped establish the technology investment banking division of the bank. Throughout the years, he has been counselling a number of high-profile technology companies in historic deals.
He participated directly in the early IPOs of such businesses as Facebook, which is currently called Meta Platforms, and LinkedIn. These agreements, among other deals, made Morgan Stanley one of the most popular advisors to Silicon Valley and technology companies around the world.
Key Highlights
- Michael Grimes returns to Morgan Stanley as chairman of investment banking.
- Grimes brings 30+ years of experience advising major technology deals.
- His return strengthens Morgan Stanley’s advisory capabilities in tech mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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