Kestra Financial, the independent broker-dealer giant headquartered in Austin, Texas, has announced a pivotal leadership transition.
The top IBD revealed Monday that current president Stephen Langlois will retire at the end of 2025.
John Amore, currently head of wealth management, is set to take over the role in April, with Langlois staying on through the year’s end as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition.
Langlois joined Kestra Financial nearly five years ago and has overseen significant developments, including the implementation of the firm’s Digital Account Opening platform, which streamlined client onboarding processes for advisors.
“While this marks the end of a personal chapter, Kestra Financial is at the beginning of a new one, with rapid growth ahead," Langlois reflected in a statement announcing the news. "I am confident in the future of the Kestra Holdings ecosystem and am excited to stay on in an advisory role through the end of the year.”
Amore brings nearly two decades of global wealth management experience to his new position, having previously led businesses at UBS across the US, Europe, and Latin America. Since joining Kestra Financial, he has focused on delivering comprehensive support to financial professionals through resources like portfolio construction, retirement planning, and alternative investments.
Speaking to Barron's about his vision, Amore emphasized he plans to lead with continuity and growth in mind.
“This will be an evolution, not a revolution,” he told the publication Monday.
Kestra Financial, founded in 1997, reportedly oversees $103 billion in assets under advisement, and has more than 1,700 independent financial professionals in its partner network.
The firm is part of Kestra Holdings, which last year sold a majority stake to private equity firm Stone Point Capital to enhance advisor services and support acquisitions via its Bluespring Wealth Partners subsidiary, according to Barron’s.
Kestra's Financial Division includes Kestra Private Wealth Services, Kestra Advisory Services, and Kestra Investment Services
Among other objectives, Amore highlighted plans to introduce new insurance offerings, including life and long-term care products, to better meet the growing needs of advisors and their clients.
“It’s not something we’ve been involved with historically, but it’s of growing importance for advisors to meet all the needs of their clients,” he told Barron's.
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