NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the appointment of Major General (Ret.) James A. “Spider” Marks to the role of Head of Geopolitical Strategy.
Major General Marks is an Academy Securities’ Advisory Board Member and military analyst, having served over 30 years in the Army holding every command position from infantry platoon leader to commanding general. He was the senior U.S. intelligence officer in Korea, as well as during the conflicts in the Balkans and Iraq.
“We’re delighted that General Marks will now be expanding his role at Academy Securities in a way that will directly benefit our clients and partners,” stated Chance Mims, CEO of Academy Securities. “His wealth of knowledge about key areas around the globe, such as the Korean Peninsula, will increasingly be valued by our closest counterparties.”
As a national security contributor to CNN and member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, General Marks is a leading expert on geopolitical issues in an ever changing and volatile world. As the Head of Geopolitical Strategy, General Marks will be leading Academy’s Geopolitical department and a team of subject matter experts that provide insight on global events and their potential effects on market dynamics. With General Marks’ specific skillset, Academy is well positioned to remain cognizant of current storylines, such as the situation in North Korea, and provide observations on emerging geo-political developments.
General Marks, commenting on his new role at Academy Securities, said, “I'm honored and personally excited to expand my role with Academy Securities at this moment in our firm's growth. The geo-strategic environment is volatile and chaotic with little likelihood of certainty in the near term. Modestly, I hope to contribute some clarity and possibly some calm through our enhanced geo-strategic and political offerings."
“Beyond the obvious leadership traits that General Marks adds to Academy, his expanded role reflects our ceaseless quest to enhance our value proposition in the marketplace while supporting our social mission to mentor and train newly hired veterans,” said Phil McConkey, President of Academy Securities.
About Academy Securities
Academy Securities is a preeminent disabled veteran owned investment bank with strength in capital markets, public finance, fixed income and equity trading. Leadership and staff have had intensive military training prior to entering and gaining in depth financial services experience in global capital markets. We are mission driven with a high ethical code, a solid sense of accountability and strive for excellence in the pursuit of our clients’ success. Intellectual assets, strong visionary leaders and a proud team commitment bring out the best in each other for the benefit of our clients. Academy is our nation’s first and only post-9/11 disabled veteran owned investment bank and is a certified as a DVBE, SDVOSB, and MBE. The firm has a strong top and middle tier client base served by a national platform with offices in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Diego and Chapel Hill. Information about Academy Securities is available at www.academysecurities.com.
