Richard B. Handler is the CEO and Chairman of Jefferies Financial Group, a role he has held since 2013. Born in 1968, Handler has a solid background in finance, having worked at Jefferies since 1990, where he began as an...

Richard B. Handler is the CEO and Chairman of Jefferies Financial Group, a role he has held since 2013. Born in 1968, Handler has a solid background in finance, having worked at Jefferies since 1990, where he began as an Executive Vice President. Known for linking compensation to performance, his salary in 2023 was $1 million, with a total compensation of over $26 million that includes bonuses and stock awards. His bonuses are highly performance-based, emphasizing an alignment with company and shareholder interests. Handler has been at the helm during significant growth periods for the firm, especially noted for stock performance that increased substantially from $316 million to over $900 million in just a few years. He balances a focus on long-term value creation with rigorous performance metrics, significantly boosting shareholder returns and maintaining high stakes in the company. Handler also plays an active role in charitable endeavors through his family foundation, which supports underprivileged children. As a graduate of the University of Rochester and Stanford University, he combines expertise and education to lead Jefferies through changing market situations while maintaining team cohesion and performance-driven culture. This strategy has made him a notable figure in the finance sector, recognized for navigating both challenges and opportunities effectively.