Orion taps Envestnet vet Chris Shutler as head of strategy

Wealth tech giant Orion is bolstering its leadership just as its former chief operating officer assumes a C-suite role at another firm.

On Thursday, Orion announced the appointment of Chris Shutler as its head of strategy, signaling a renewed focus on growth and innovation in the wealthtech space.

Shutler, a financial services veteran, will oversee corporate strategy, market analysis, and growth opportunities while advising Orion's leadership team. He reports directly to Mark Mayo, chief financial officer of Orion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our executive leadership team,” Mayo said in a Thursday morning statement. “His extensive experience in strategy and market intelligence will enable us to further enhance the value we provide to financial advisors and the enterprises that serve them.”

Shutler's track record of success in financial services includes more than a decade at Envestnet, where he held senior roles in strategy and research. His work focused on market analysis and shaping growth initiatives across the firm’s platform.

“The complexity of [advisors’] responsibility is greater than ever,” Shutler said in a statement Wednesday. “Orion’s platform empowers advisors with integrated technology and customized wealth solutions that meet them wherever they are in their growth journey.”

Orion's announcement comes just as Ryan Beach, who spent nearly 13 years at the leading wealth tech firm, got tapped to lead F2 Strategy, a consultancy specializing in wealth management technology.

Beach previously held key roles at Orion, including president of Orion Wealth Management and chief operating officer, where he helped guide the company’s M&A strategy and expanded its service offerings. At F2 Strategy, he will be succeeding co-founder Doug Fritz as CEO. 

“We couldn’t be happier that Ryan has agreed to come on board at F2,” Fritz, who is transitioning to the role of executive chairman, said in a statement Wednesday. “His leadership as CEO will allow me to focus on what I’m most passionate about—working hands-on with our clients and shaping the future of the industry.”

Beach described F2 Strategy as uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in wealth management. “During my time at Orion, I saw firsthand the value F2 brought as a partner, delivering innovative solutions and real-world insights,” he said. “I’m excited to join co-founders Doug and Liz Fritz and their team in continuing to drive growth and helping clients bridge the gap between expectations and capabilities in meaningful and impactful ways.”

F2 has grown significantly in the past 18 months, supported by private equity backing from Renovus Capital Partners. The firm now serves a client base representing more than $3.8 trillion in assets under management and operates offices in Chicago, New York, and St. Louis.