MINNEAPOLIS, Sep 22, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) today announced that Hope B. Woodhouse has been elected to serve on the company's board of directors. Woodhouse has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, having served most recently as chief operating officer of Bridgewater Associates, Inc., a $122 billion global hedge fund.

"We are pleased to have Hope join our board of directors," said Andrew Duff, chairman and CEO of Piper Jaffray Companies. "Her experience at top-ranked, global alternative asset management firms and broker dealers will inform our strategic discussions and serve us well."

Ms. Woodhouse also served as president and chief operating officer for Auspex Group, L.P., a global macro hedge fund, and chief operating officer for Soros Fund Management. She was a managing director in the Fixed Income Division at Salomon Brothers Inc. and began her career at the Chase Manhattan Bank.

About Piper Jaffray

Piper Jaffray is a leading middle-market investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Proven advisory teams combine deep product and sector expertise with ready access to global capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in Hong Kong, London and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.com

© 2011 Piper Jaffray Companies, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7020

SOURCE: Piper Jaffray Companies

Piper Jaffray Companies
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Jennifer A. Olson-Goude, 612-303-6277