Andrew Gauthier named director of the Financial Markets Institute

Andrew Gauthier (B.A. Finance ’11) as the new director of the Financial Markets Institute.

The Broad College of Business at Michigan State University has appointed Andrew Gauthier (B.A. Finance ’11) as the new director of the Financial Markets Institute (FMI). His selection marks a “full circle” moment as Gauthier now leads the very program that launched his career as an FMI Scholar more than a decade ago.

The Financial Markets Institute, established in 2006, provides elite academic and professional development opportunities to a select group of Broad College finance and accounting undergraduates. FMI Scholars receive rigorous training in technical and professional skills, co-manage a multi-million-dollar student investment fund, and connect with alumni and industry leaders through immersive experiences in financial hubs such as New York City and Chicago. The program is proud of its impeccable success in placing students at many of the country’s leading financial institutions in truly impactful internships and exceptional full-time positions. The program has been led by Dave Hawthorne since 2019.

Gauthier’s professional journey is a testament to the institute’s mission. After graduating from MSU, he launched his career in investment banking at Wells Fargo Securities in New York City, advising clients on corporate finance, M&A, and capital-raising strategies. He later returned to Michigan as a financial advisor with Red Cedar Advisory, LLC, where he focused on personalized tax and retirement planning.

Beyond his work in finance, Gauthier is well known locally as the co-founder of Groovy Donuts, a beloved East Lansing bakery he opened in 2015 with his wife, Monica Gauthier (B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Management ’12). His entrepreneurial success has earned him recognition across the region and underscores the diverse pathways that Broad Spartans can forge with a foundation in business and finance.

“The FMI shaped my professional journey in profound ways, and returning to help lead the institute feels incredibly meaningful,” said Gauthier. “As director, my goal is to build on the program’s strong legacy and ensure that today’s scholars have the guidance, resources, and support they need to thrive. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with an outstanding group of Spartan alumni and advisory board members, a world-class faculty, and a visionary dean; all within a Broad College community that’s elevating its reputation and impact across the business world.”

As director, Gauthier will collaborate with the FMI Academic Director, Advisory Board and Broad College leadership to advance the institute’s strategic direction and expand its impact. His responsibilities include recruiting and mentoring future scholars, engaging financial-services alumni, strengthening industry partnerships, and supporting fundraising efforts to ensure the program’s long-term success.

“Having Andrew return to lead the Financial Markets Institute is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Andrei Simonov, chairperson of the Department of Finance at Broad. “As a former FMI Scholar, he understands how transformative this program can be and how it prepares Spartans to excel in finance and beyond. We’re also deeply grateful to Dave Hawthorne for his outstanding leadership since 2019. His dedication and vision strengthened the institute’s foundation and positioned it for continued success under Andrew’s guidance.”

“The Financial Markets Institute has always been about preparing students to make an immediate impact in the financial world, and I’m proud of how far the program has come since 2019,” said Hawthorne. “It’s deeply rewarding to see one of our own return to lead it. Andrew’s passion for student success and his firsthand understanding of the FMI experience and experience in the finance industry will ensure that the institute continues to thrive for years to come.”

Gauthier’s appointment reinforces the Broad College’s commitment to experiential learning and to cultivating leaders who create impact in finance and beyond. Under his guidance, the FMI will continue to empower students with the knowledge and discipline to thrive in the world’s most competitive financial markets.

Learn more about the Financial Markets Institute on their webpage.