American Trust Investment Services Strengthens Executive Leadership Amid Accelerated Investment Banking Growth and Global Expansion

Rhea-AI Summary

American Trust Investment Services (NASDAQ: ENGS) announced significant updates to its executive leadership team amid rapid expansion in investment banking services. The firm, which became a NASDAQ Capital Markets member in 2024, has strengthened its position through successful IPO underwriting, including Marwynn Holdings and Energys Group.

The leadership team includes James F. Dever as CEO, Kristopher Kessler as President, Ian E. Lippy as COO, James L. Clarren as Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets, and Charles J. Slavinsky as Chief Compliance Officer. The firm is expanding globally with a dedicated team in Hong Kong and planned operations in UAE, positioning itself as a rising force in boutique investment banking.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Rapid expansion may pose integration and operational challenges
• Increased competition in boutique investment banking space
• Regulatory complexities across multiple international jurisdictions

NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Trust Investment Services, Inc. ("ATIS"), a FINRA and SEC-registered boutique investment bank and broker-dealer, today announced key updates to its executive leadership team as the firm continues its strategic transformation and rapid growth across equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance advisory.

With an active IPO and ECM pipeline, NASDAQ Capital Markets membership since 2024, and an expanding international footprint, ATIS is positioning itself as a rising force in the boutique investment banking landscape. The firm maintains a strong national presence across the U.S., operates a dedicated team in Hong Kong, and is actively expanding into the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to better support its growing roster of domestic and international issuers.

"ATIS is entering one of the most dynamic growth phases in our history," said James F. Dever, Chief Executive Officer of ATIS. "We've built a leadership team with the experience and vision to compete at the highest levels of the boutique investment banking space. With our expanding global presence and enhanced market capabilities, we're uniquely positioned to help clients achieve their goals."

Recent ATIS Highlights

• IPO & ECM Leadership — ATIS has recently acted as lead underwriter on multiple successful offerings, including Marwynn Holdings (NASDAQ: MWYN), Energys Group (NASDAQ: ENGS), and CIIT, with several additional IPOs and follow-ons slated for the coming quarters.
  
  
• NASDAQ Capital Markets Membership — In 2024, ATIS became a NASDAQ Capital Markets member, strengthening its execution capabilities and enabling direct market access for issuers and institutional investors.
  
  
• Global Expansion — With a dedicated team in Hong Kong and planned operations in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ATIS is extending its reach to meet growing international demand for IPO and advisory expertise.

Executive Leadership Team

James F. Dever — Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, James F. Dever leads ATIS' strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives. With over three decades of experience in capital markets and investment banking, James has positioned ATIS as a trusted partner for issuers and investors navigating complex capital markets.

"Our focus is on scaling intelligently while maintaining the boutique-level client service that defines ATIS," Dever said.

Kristopher "Kit" Kessler — President
Kristopher "Kit" Kessler drives ATIS' client engagement strategy, leveraging more than 20 years of experience in wealth management and corporate finance to deepen relationships with issuers and institutional partners.

"Our ability to align our capabilities with clients' strategic objectives has been key to our success," Kessler said. "This leadership team enables us to scale effectively while continuing to deliver tailored, high-value solutions."

Ian E. Lippy — Chief Operating Officer
Ian E. Lippy oversees ATIS' operations, regulatory strategy, and execution infrastructure. He has been instrumental in scaling ATIS' investment banking platform, implementing systems that support a robust IPO pipeline and expanding cross-border transaction capabilities.

"Our growth is driven by investing in people, technology, and strategic relationships," Lippy said. "With NASDAQ membership, a growing international presence, and a strengthened leadership team, ATIS is positioned to deliver exceptional results for our clients worldwide."

James L. Clarren — Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets
James L. Clarren serves as Managing Director of ATIS' Equity Capital Markets group, overseeing origination and execution for IPOs, follow-ons, and other ECM transactions.

"Our ECM platform is built on precision, agility, and experience," Clarren said. "We provide issuers with seamless execution and strategic insights throughout the entire transaction lifecycle."

Charles J. Slavinsky — Chief Compliance Officer
Charles J. Slavinsky heads ATIS' compliance and risk management programs, leveraging more than 30 years of experience across major wirehouses and boutique firms.

"Integrity, transparency, and robust oversight remain at the core of ATIS' culture," Slavinsky said. "These priorities guide us as we scale our investment banking platform."

About American Trust Investment Services, Inc.

American Trust Investment Services, Inc. ("ATIS") is a FINRA and SEC-registered broker-dealer and boutique investment bank specializing in IPOs, follow-on offerings, and strategic advisory services. Headquartered in the Midwest with offices nationwide, a growing presence in New York, a dedicated team in Hong Kong, and expanding operations in the Middle East, ATIS partners with emerging growth companies to deliver innovative capital markets solutions and long-term value creation.

Media Contact:
Ariella Sherman
CEO, AS Strategic
IR@amtruinvest.com | www.amtruinvest.com

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SOURCE American Trust Investment Services, Inc.

FAQ

What major changes did American Trust Investment Services (ENGS) announce in September 2025?

ATIS announced key updates to its executive leadership team, including James F. Dever as CEO, Kristopher Kessler as President, and Ian E. Lippy as COO, amid expansion in investment banking services and global markets.

When did American Trust Investment Services become a NASDAQ Capital Markets member?

ATIS became a NASDAQ Capital Markets member in 2024, enhancing its execution capabilities and enabling direct market access for issuers and institutional investors.

Which companies has American Trust Investment Services (ENGS) recently underwritten?

ATIS has recently served as lead underwriter for several successful offerings, including Marwynn Holdings (NASDAQ: MWYN), Energys Group (NASDAQ: ENGS), and CIIT.

What are American Trust Investment Services' global expansion plans?

ATIS maintains a dedicated team in Hong Kong and is actively expanding into the Middle East, including planned operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to support its growing international client base.

Who are the key executives in American Trust Investment Services' leadership team?

The key executives include James F. Dever (CEO), Kristopher 'Kit' Kessler (President), Ian E. Lippy (COO), James L. Clarren (Managing Director, ECM), and Charles J. Slavinsky (CCO).