James Baker

James Baker is the global co-head of investment banking and capital markets, as well as a member of the leadership team, of Piper Sandler.

Prior to assuming his current role, Baker served as co-head of energy investment banking for Simmons Energy | A Division of Piper Sandler℠. He joined Simmons in 2001 to help grow the firm’s midstream/downstream platform. He was later promoted to lead the midstream/downstream group and manage the upstream group, as well as serve on the Simmons’ board and management committee. During his tenure and in partnership with Fred Charlton, Simmons generated record banking revenues and upheld its position as a premier energy investment bank.

Prior to joining the firm, Baker held several positions within Koch Industries including director of Koch energy, leading corporate finance and corporate development initiatives for Koch’s energy businesses and chief financial officer of Koch Gateway Pipeline Company (now GulfSouth). Subsequently, he was a director for Alton Geoscience, consulting to refining and marketing companies on the West Coast.

Baker is a member of the advisory board of the Posse Foundation, Houston chapter. He holds a chemistry degree from Colorado College and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.