RIA aggregator Focus Financial appears set for a new chapter in its development as it elevates a key contributor to its intra-network consolidation strategy to C-suite status.
On Wednesday, the firm announced that it has appointed Travis Danysh as its new chief corporate development officer.
Previously serving as the head of mergers and acquisitions and business development, Danysh will now oversee all corporate development activities, including mergers and acquisitions, capital deployment, and economic structuring solutions. He will also direct business development initiatives across the firm.
Based in Austin, Texas, Danysh will continue to report directly to Michael Nathanson, the Colony Group head who rose up to become Focus Financial Partners' CEO in late April.
“Travis is a strong, experienced leader who is highly regarded at Focus and across the wealth management industry for the significant contributions he’s made to our company – and our industry – over the last decade,” Nathanson said in a statement Wednesday.
Danysh has played a key role in enhancing Focus' consolidation strategy, particularly by strengthening the capital deployment decision processes, including those related to the investment committee.
Just over the past year, Nathanson said he’s worked relentlessly to ensure the success of Focus’ consolidation strategy. That ongoing effort has seen the formation of several major wealth hubs within the Focus network, including the integration of Buckingham Strategic Partners into the Colony Group announced in May, as well as the recent merging of Relative Value Partners into Kovitz Investment Group early this month.
“His extensive industry experience and keen ability to lead complex transactions will only further our ability to execute successfully against our strategic objectives,” Nathanson said.
Danysh expressed his enthusiasm for the new role and collaboration with the leadership team.
“I’m grateful for this expanded opportunity with Focus and for the privilege to work with Michael and alongside the rest of the leadership team as I embrace this new chapter of growth for our business,” he said.
“I have an incredibly talented team supporting me, and we are fortunate to be the beneficiary of a number of industry and company-specific tailwinds as we implement our enhanced strategy,” Danysh added.
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
