NEW YORK, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CD&R (or the “Firm”) today announced the appointment of Walt Bettinger, former chief executive of The Charles Schwab Corporation (“Schwab”), as Senior Advisor, Financial and Technology Services, to CD&R-managed funds. Walt’s primary focus will be working with CD&R’s Financial Services and Technology industry verticals to advise on strategy and value creation initiatives and assist in evaluating investment opportunities. He will continue to serve as the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schwab, along with founder Charles R. Schwab.
In nearly 30 years at Schwab, Walt held a variety of leadership roles, including as a member of the board of directors, president and CEO. He is recognized for transforming Schwab into one of the largest publicly traded investment services firms in the U.S. During Walt’s 16 years as CEO, Schwab experienced significant growth, with client assets increasing from approximately $1.1 trillion to $10.1 trillion and total client brokerage accounts growing from 7.4 million to 36.5 million. Over the same period, Schwab’s market capitalization grew from approximately $19 billion to $136 billion, while the value of its stock rose more than 350%. Before joining Schwab, Walt founded The Hampton Company, a provider of retirement plan services to corporations and their employees. Schwab acquired Hampton in 1995.
“Walt is recognized as an industry leader in financial services, having played a pivotal role in the substantial growth of one of America’s most significant companies,” said CD&R Partner David Winokur. “We believe Walt’s experience across financial services, technology, transformation, marketing and regulatory matters, coupled with his commitment to integrity and winning the right way, will help make CD&R better investors and operators within our financial and technology industry verticals.”
“I am very pleased to work alongside an investment group that combines operating expertise with financial resources, well-suited to the needs of financial services and technology companies,” said Walt Bettinger. “I look forward to working with the talented team at CD&R to build on the Firm’s strong track record, and expand its activities, in these industries.”
Walt attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi and holds a B.B.A. in Finance and Investments, summa cum laude, from Ohio University. He also completed the General Management program offered by the Harvard Business School.
About CD&R
Founded in 1978, CD&R is a private investment firm with a strategy of generating strong investment returns by building more robust and sustainable businesses through the combination of skilled investment experience and deep operating capabilities. In partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, CD&R takes a long-term view of value creation and emphasizes effective stewardship and resilience. The firm invests in businesses that span a broad range of industries, including industrial, healthcare, consumer, technology and financial services end markets. CD&R is privately owned by its partners and has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit www.cdr.com and follow the firm’s activities through LinkedIn and @CDRBuilds on X/Twitter.
SOURCE Clayton, Dubilier & Rice