Brown Brothers Harriman Reviews

Pros

First of all, brett Sovine is not the CEO, by a long shot. Not even a Partner. Douglas (Digger) Donahue is the Managing Partner and the firm is run by two powerful committees - "PIP" and "Steering".

BBH encourages having a life and does not judge people by face time. While there is some "busy work" it seems there is far less than other places. visibility and accessibility of upper management is excellent, at least outside of the very large custody division.

Cons

Many organizational decisions are driven by partnership politics, and consensus is an important value within the firm. The firm is a little schizophrenic about its risk appetite.

Advice to Senior Management

We have roughly the same number of partners as 1988. This is not motivational. Partners need to earn their keep, and it needs to be visible to the rest of the firm. Advancement opportunities need to be based on impact, not number of reports or responsibilities. Some of the smartest people here are diluted by their multiple committee responsibilities.

Pros

Great reputation
Partners are very accessible
Floor managers have great attitude

Cons

Ratio of temp-to-hire/full-time employees is astronomical
Employee evaluations are not effective
"Career" employees are barriers for the companies future

Advice to Senior Management

Accepting the risk and doing away with contract-to-hire will gain trust with employees and create a positive work environment

Pros

Laid back atmosphere for the most part. Everyone is nice and easy to get along with. Others try to help you understand the firm and how you fit in.

Cons

My particular division is not the greatest, as far as work goes. Very dull work and becomes routine very quickly.

Advice to Senior Management

Since the division I am in is understaffed, they should really budget better and hire more people to divide the work up in a more reasonable fashion.

Pros

Working at BBH adds some prestige to the resume. The benefits are reasonable except for the absence of tuition reimbursement. For that, you have to enter a special scholar's program full of all kinds of paperwork and proof that you need the classes.

Cons

They work you half to death and run you around in circles. It's over the top for sure even by today's standards.

Advice to Senior Management

Bring back tuition reimbursement. When I interviewed, it was in the fancy brochure. It's not right to take it away.

Pros

There is great history. Great people. I would recommened working here for anybody. I'm straight out of college and the benefits are fantastic.

Cons

This 20 word minimum is kiling me. You won't get rich here like at Goldman but you won't be ripping people off either.

Advice to Senior Management

I think there needs to be greater communication with their promotion structure. Also you should remove any temporary hirings. It's bad for company culture.

Pros

Fair, friendly, and trustworthy company

Cons

Not flexible with salary negotiations

Pros

You do get the experience you need to get started in the industry. If your manager is a good one, you'll do fine. If your manager is narrow minded as they usually are in operational settings, you'll advance by taking your experience elsewhere.

Cons

It's an operational environment. There's not too much interest in allowing employees to think freely for themselves, despite all the lip service to the contrary.

Pros

Always room for growth. Managing Directors and Partners are always accessible and are willing to listen to your ideas. Friendly work environment. While others laid off, BBH reassigned employees to other positions so they can retain the talent they built.

Cons

Like all places, politics play a role in your career.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work!

Pros

laid back atmosphere with good management and a strong vision. good vacation time good benefits good work life balance definately

Cons

not to much of a bad side to working at brown brothers harriman it is a great place to work

Advice to Senior Management

management is doing a great job i would continue the vision that has been put in place because its great

Pros

Employees at all levels are treated respectfully
Great communication among departments
Supportive management

Cons

Not too many advancement opportunities