David J. Cook

David Cook is a strategically focused seasoned senior-level professional with over 35 years of delivering impact and value to the financial services industry. Innovative and efficient leader using consulting and critical thinking skills to provide solutions to his clients while successfully managing risk.

Currently the Managing Director and Director of Internal Audit at Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, a privately held and employee-owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management, and private equity firm. At Baird, he is a member of the Senior Leadership team in Risk, leads the firm’s Internal Audit efforts, and co-leads the Data Analytics strategy for Risk Management. David has led agile, consulting, and audit projects in the United Kingdom, Germany, and China.

Previously, David worked as a Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young, LLP where he supervised staff auditors on manufacturing, retail, and government audit client engagements.

David is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and has the Certification in Risk Management Assurance. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

David earned his BA in Accounting and MBA in Business and Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.