Raymond James Hired Johan Grahn as Head of ETFs

Raymond James Investment Management hired Johan Grahn to be head of ETFs as the asset manager awaits regulatory approval for an initial suite of ETFs. The firm put word out of Grahn’s hire this week, although his LinkedIn page indicates he joined the firm in May 2025.

Raymond James expects its initial ETFs to become available later this year. In January, the firm filed with the SEC to launch four income-focused ETFs: RJ Chartwell Premium Income ETF, RJ Eagle Municipal Income ETF, RJ Eagle Vertical Income ETF and RJ Eagle GCM Dividend Select Income ETF.  

Grahn previously worked as head ETF market strategist at Allianz Investment Management, where he helped launch over 40 defined outcome ETFs. From 2011 to 2016, he also worked as head of risk management franchise and portfolio manager at MetLife. While there, he developed and led a risk-managed multi-asset lineup of subadvised funds.

In a statement, Matt Johnson, head of product and marketing at Raymond James Investment Management, said, “Throughout his career, Johan has showcased an ability to drive product innovation through a strategic lens and an unwavering client-centric mindset, which will directly complement our firm’s deep knowledge of advisor needs and our dedication to creating a tailored ETF platform.”

Related:FTSE Russell: In a Volatile Year, Investors Remain Happy with Their Advisors

“In addition, he is uniquely positioned to combine an extensive background in ETFs with portfolio management expertise, allowing for further dynamic collaboration between our product and investment teams.”

Grahn will work with Johnson and Susan Walzer, president of Raymond James Family of Funds, on its ETF lineup.

Last July, Raymond James hired Mo Sparks, former director of exchange-traded products at the New York Stock Exchange, to head its ETF funds as the firm sought to develop an ETF platform, including potentially converting existing fund strategies that were in high demand into ETF wrappers. However, Sparks left the company in April to take a position as chief product officer with major ETF provider Direxion.

Raymond James joins an ever-expanding list of financial services firms looking to branch out into the ETF provider space. Earlier this year, mutual fund mainstay Cohen & Steers launched its first three ETFs. Last week, Baron Capital filed with the SEC to launch its first five ETFs, all actively managed equity funds. In addition, more and more RIAs are also launching their own ETFs.