Sterne, Agee & Leach, a privately-owned investment banking and brokerage firm, has appointed Walter Robinson as president and chief operating officer.

Robinson retired from Scott & Stringfellow/BB&T Capital Markets in March 2012. There, he served in many roles including chief operating officer, president of the private client group, and president and chief executive.

Robertson’s role will be heavily focused on strategic growth and the development of Sterne, Agee & Leach, which is the largest subsidiary of Sterne Agee Group. His role is a new one at the subsidiary. 

Birmingham, AL-based Sterne Agee works with corporations, municipalities and high net worth clients. It custodies around $21 billion in client assets.