Raymond James succession plan rolls on with RJA division shakeup

Raymond James succession plan rolls on with RJA division shakeup
The broker-dealer giant is shuffling the leadership within Raymond James & Associates as part of its broader seismic reorganization.
AUG 16, 2024

Raymond James is making more moves around its broad leadership succession strategy as it reveals a spate of changes within its employee advisor unit.

On Friday, Raymond James & Associates announced a planned regional reorganization, which includes changes to key leadership roles as part of its long-term strategy.

As part of its succession planning, the firm said current COO Jeff Dowdle would be stepping down in October, to be replaced by Raymond James Financial private client group President Scott Curtis, while RJA CEO Tash Elwyn would fill the void left by Curtis.

The firm unveiled more details of its plan in May when it revealed Elwyn will be succeeded by Tom Walrond, senior vice president and division director, among other reassignments and promotions.

The new structure at RJA will take effect on October 1, aligning with broader succession plans within the firm.

Tom Walrond, who will assume the role of president of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group, shared his optimism around the adjustments and its impact on the organization.

“I’m confident the changes will optimize support for advisors and their teams, and better position RJA for long-term growth,” he said in a statement Friday.

As part of the reorganization, Kelly Anderson, currently the regional director for the Eastern Division, will be tapped to lead the newly formed Northeast Division. Meanwhile, Tim Killgoar, another Eastern Division regional director, will be overseeing the Southeast Division.

Both leaders will retain responsibility for their respective areas under the new structure.

Patrick O’Connor, the director for the Central Division, will take on the role of chief operating officer, focusing on recruitment and organic growth initiatives as well as creating an enhanced advisor experience. Mike O’Meara, who currently serves as regional director within the division, will take over as its director following O’Connor’s promotion.

Things will stay status quo for Bert White as he continues to lead the Western Division without changes to his role.

Finally, Michael Tormey, the current chief operating officer of strategic initiatives, will move into a new role as managing director of Private Client Group Strategic Initiatives, broadening his responsibilities across the wealth management businesses.

All the changes at RJA are happening with no external hires, which Walrond said provides an important sense of continuity in a time of pivotal change.

“We were fortunate to promote the next generation of leaders for RJA from within, ensuring commitment to our values and culture, and maintaining a consistent experience for advisors and branch associates,” he said.

Latest News

In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset
In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor

Ex-Texas advisor gets 11 years for Ponzi scheme, Travis Kelce among victims
Ex-Texas advisor gets 11 years for Ponzi scheme, Travis Kelce among victims

Siddharth Jawahar was sentenced 11 years in prison and $31M in restitution for running Swiftarc Capital fraud scheme

HSBC, Citi unveil new high-life and luxury offerings for affluent clients, family offices
HSBC, Citi unveil new high-life and luxury offerings for affluent clients, family offices

Wall Street banks expand wealth services as ultra-high-net-worth client demands extend further above and beyond investment management.

Cerity Partners enters Iowa with Gilbert & Cook deal
Cerity Partners enters Iowa with Gilbert & Cook deal

The acquisition of $2 billion Gilbert & Cook extends a buying spree for the ultra-high-net-worth firm that has already touched six states this year.

The financial industry has a saving problem
The financial industry has a saving problem

After years of encouraging sacrifice and delayed gratification, advisors have to do the next emotional lift: helping clients let go of a potentially harmful scarcity mindset.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains