Ladenburg Thalmann Expands Biotechnology Equity Research Team with Two Senior Analysts
Key Insights
Ladenburg Thalmann has appointed Rick Bienkowski, Ph.D. and Caroline Palomeque as Managing Directors in its Biotechnology Equity Research team, based in New York City.
Dr. Bienkowski brings expertise in gene editing, cell therapy, and genetic medicine, previously serving as Director of Biotechnology Equity Research at Cantor Fitzgerald (search).
Ms. Palomeque joins from Berenberg Capital Markets (search) with prior experience covering biotechnology companies at Maxim Group (search), Oppenheimer (search), JMP Securities (search), and Goldman Sachs (search).
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (search), a middle-market investment bank and subsidiary of Osaic, Inc. (search), announced on June 4, 2026, that Rick Bienkowski, Ph.D. and Caroline Palomeque have joined the firm's Biotechnology Equity Research team as Managing Directors. The appointments expand the firm's research platform, with a focus on enhancing coverage across gene therapy, genetic medicines, and innovative life sciences companies.
"We are excited to welcome Rick and Caroline to Ladenburg Thalmann," said Michael Gideon, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Ladenburg Thalmann. "They each bring significant experience in biotechnology equity research, combining scientific expertise with deep fundamental analysis. Their addition expands our sector expertise and enhances our research coverage for institutional clients."
The new hires reflect Ladenburg Thalmann's continued investment in its research capabilities and commitment to providing fundamental research and industry analysis to institutional investors.
Scientific and Industry Expertise
Dr. Bienkowski joins Ladenburg Thalmann with a strong background in genetic medicine research. He previously served as Director of Biotechnology Equity Research at Cantor Fitzgerald (search), where he covered gene editing, cell therapy, and genetic medicine companies. His career also includes roles at SVB Leerink (search) and RBC Capital Markets (search). Dr. Bienkowski holds a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University and a B.S. from Cornell University.
Ms. Palomeque brings extensive equity research experience across multiple firms. Prior to joining Ladenburg Thalmann, she was an Equity Research Analyst at Berenberg Capital Markets (search). She previously covered biotechnology companies at Maxim Group (search) and WallachBeth and was a member of the biotechnology teams at Oppenheimer (search), JMP Securities (search), and Goldman Sachs (search). Ms. Palomeque holds an MBA in Finance from Fordham Graduate School of Business and a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Strategic Significance
"Rick and Caroline add meaningful depth to our biotechnology research platform," said Jeffrey Cohen, Director of Research at Ladenburg Thalmann. "Both bring extensive experience covering innovative biotechnology companies and will play an important role in expanding our coverage within the sector."
Both Dr. Bienkowski and Ms. Palomeque will be based in Ladenburg Thalmann's New York City office. The firm, established in 1876 and a member of the New York Stock Exchange since 1879, offers a range of investment banking and capital markets products and services, including equity and debt capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance advisory, and fairness opinions.