Cetera, Raymond James, and US Bank all announced significant moves in their leadership this week, with Cetera welcoming a veteran with experience at each of the big three a custodians to head a key program.
On Thursday, Cetera named Paul Polese as community leader of RIA Blueprint, a key part of its multi-affiliation model.
Polese, who brings nearly three decades of experience working with independent advisors, will oversee platform sales and relationship management while driving growth among independent and hybrid RIA advisors. His background includes founding BCA Consultants and holding senior roles at Pershing, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity.
Jen Hanau, RIA and branches channel leader at Cetera, said in a statement that Polese is a “natural fit in the evolution of our team and offerings as we scale RIA Blueprint to serve more advisors seeking an independent RIA model.”
Hanau, who joined Cetera from Mariner in June, added that his experience will “empower advisors across the RIA landscape – driving long-term success for RIA owners.”
Polese said he is “a firm believer in the choice and flexibility the independent RIA model offers advisors, and in Cetera’s industry leadership in this area.” He added that he looks forward to supporting advisors in achieving their business goals by delivering the service and growth strategies that define Cetera’s approach.
The appointment comes as Cetera continues to expand its RIA and branches channel, which launched in June as its fifth dedicated channel to support independent RIAs, owned W-2 RIA businesses, and supported independence branches.
Raymond James has completed a planned leadership transition in its asset management services division, with Doug Brigman stepping into the role of president.
Brigman succeeds Erik Fruland, who will move into an advisory capacity as he prepares for retirement after more than 34 years with the firm.
Scott Curtis, chief operating officer at Raymond James, said Wednesday that Brigman brings “a deep commitment to our culture of client-first service” and will ensure the firm maintains a “broad, competitive suite of solutions available for financial advisors to help their clients achieve their financial goals.”
Brigman, who has held various leadership roles since joining the firm in 2008, said the division will continue its focus on supporting advisors and identifying efficiency opportunities so they can spend more time with clients.
As president, Brigman will lead the continued advancement of the firm’s fee-based platform, with an emphasis on delivering investment solution strategies and service excellence to support financial advisors.
US Bank has named Jodi Rolland as president of its affluent wealth management division, with plans for her to also serve as CEO of US Bancorp Investments and US Bancorp Advisors at a still-to-be-announced date.
Rolland, who joined the company in September, brings more than 25 years of experience, most recently as managing director at JPMorgan Chase and previously as a leader at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Scott Ford, president of wealth management at US Bank, said Rolland’s background “will help us deepen our relationships with clients and grow our business.”
Rolland said she is “very excited to join this iconic company at this critical juncture in its 163-year history,” and looks forward to working with the team to help clients realize their goals.
US Bank Wealth Management, based in Minnesota, manages nearly $19.3 billion in assets, employing 919 advisors who serve some 47,000 clients as of April.
While it focuses broadly on individuals who do not have a high net worth, its affluent wealth management division offers a range of services from wealth planning and investment management to trust and estate services to clients nationwide.
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