Ron Carson stepping down as CEO of namesake RIA

A seismic executive change has just been announced at Carson Group. Ron Carson, the founder and CEO of the Nebraska-based RIA giant, is stepping down from the chief executive role, the firm announced Tuesday.

Carson will stay on as chairman of the board, while passing the CEO mantle to Burt White.

For more than four decades, Carson built a legendary growth story, transforming an insurance sales operation in his college dorm room into a powerhouse firm with $35.5 billion in assets under management and a network serving 50,000 families across the country.

“I am proud of the legacy we’re building, the growth of our advisor community and the impact we’ve had on thousands of lives,” Carson said in the statement announcing his departure.

“I realize that to continue to be a growth leader in the RIA space, we must adopt a bifocal ability to execute on what’s right in front of us while also innovating and anticipating the needs of our advisors – and clients – years and even decades from now,” he said.

White, who succeeds Carson immediately, joined the firm in 2022 from LPL Financial, where he was managing director and chief investment officer for 14 years. Since then he’s played a pivotal role in Carson Group's expansion, particularly in enhancing the investment platform and contributing to a record growth year.

"I can’t think of a better person than Burt to carry the torch for our mission, advance our offering and attract thought leaders to elevate the business," Carson said.

In his new role as chairman, Carson will focus on the long-term vision for Carson Group, allowing White to spearhead the firm's advisor-centric growth strategy.

This transition will also enable Carson to dedicate more time to his family's humanitarian efforts, including initiatives to combat hunger, provide clean water, and support mental health.

“It’s an honor to build on the foundation Ron has laid," White said, adding that he is "incredibly energized by the opportunities ahead."

Carson’s decision to vacate the CEO role is the latest in a series of leadership disruptions at the firm over the past year, including the departure of Nimesh Patel from his former chief technology officer role last June and Jamie Hopkins stepping down as managing partner of wealth solutions in September.