Cetera loses more top executives

Cetera loses more top executives
This month alone, five members of the broker-dealer's senior staff have left
APR 28, 2020

Cetera Financial Group has seen a shakeout among senior executives, with five leaving so far this month.

Last week, InvestmentNews reported that Michael Murray, head of business development in charge of recruiting, had left the firm. Four other top executives have left in April, according to BrokerCheck profiles and LinkedIn posts.

The departures include: Catherine Bonneau, chief operating officer; John Barragan, senior vice president and head of strategic operations, who's now at Goldman Sachs’ United Capital business; Britt Woods, senior vice president and national sales manager; and Jeffrey Bottorff, vice president and national recruiting director.

Cuts to senior management are one way a broker-dealer can reduce costs. Cetera has 1,700 home office employees, according to its website. It's not clear if the company plans to shed other jobs or senior employees.

Bonneau "informed us of her decision to leave late last year," Cetera spokesperson Adriana Senior wrote in an email. "She graciously stayed on through a transition period into April."

Senior did not respond to questions about how many employees or senior executives have either left Cetera on their own or are losing their jobs. She wrote that the company is focused on its advice-centered strategy, which includes "assessment and investments in talent, technology and strategic acquisitions in support of our commitment to growth and service."

Latest News

Bluespring Wealth snaps up $1.1B New Jersey RIA in fifth deal of 2026
Bluespring Wealth snaps up $1.1B New Jersey RIA in fifth deal of 2026

Synthesis Wealth Planning brings a fivefold asset growth story and a recently merged practice to the Bluespring fold.

Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realize that their portfolios are likely exposed
Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realize that their portfolios are likely exposed

Janus Henderson Investors research reveals demand for transparency, but lack of awareness of AI’s prevalence in the corporate world.

Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings
Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings

New research reveals rising expenses, forced early exits, and a widening gap between how long people live and how long their money lasts.

Advisor moves: LPL, Raymond James, Brighton Jones raid the talent pool
Advisor moves: LPL, Raymond James, Brighton Jones raid the talent pool

Firms continue their quest to attract and retain the best advisor teams.

Most advisors say AI portfolio construction is worth $500 a month
Most advisors say AI portfolio construction is worth $500 a month

A survey from TacticalMind AI found 69% of advisors say a high-quality AI platform that makes investment recommendations and constructs portfolios is worth $500 monthly, while research-only tools are valued closer to $250.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline