Two independent wealth firms are bolstering their executive teams with new C-suite appointments aimed at accelerating growth and expanding national reach.
On Wednesday, Rothschild Wealth Partners announced its appointment of Mac O'Brien as its first chief growth officer. In the newly created role, O'Brien will lead the firm’s national expansion strategy, with a focus on acquisitions and advisor onboarding.
Founded in 1908, Rothschild has offices in Chicago, Oakbrook, Denver, and Nashville, and serves affluent individuals, families, and business owners.
“Mac’s track record of driving scalable growth and deep industry relationships makes him a natural fit for Rothschild Wealth Partners,” Phil Johnson, president and partner, said in a statement. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to execute on our strategic vision and attract advisors who align with our values and client-first philosophy.”
O'Brien brings over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, most recently serving as head of investment US distribution at Morningstar Wealth, a firm with more than $300 billion in assets. He has also held senior roles at Zacks Investment Management, Dearborn Capital Management, and Astor Investment Management, where he oversaw strategy, product, and distribution efforts.
“Rothschild Wealth Partners has a rare combination of heritage, integrity, and ambition,” O'Brien said. “I’m thrilled to help lead the firm’s next chapter of growth.”
Rothschild made a significant step in its growth strategy in 2023 through a merger deal with Sentinus, an RIA firm with a 77-year long history at the time.
Meanwhile, NBC Securities announced the hiring of Kim Davis as chief growth officer, a move that follows its February promotion of Sam Ransom to chief financial officer.
Davis will be responsible for driving growth initiatives, broadening market reach, and aligning strategy across business development and product lines. She will report directly to CEO John Doody.
“Kim has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to countless financial professionals,” Doody said. “She has extensive experience attracting and developing top talent, as well as designing training and support programs that empower financial advisors to expand their businesses.”
With more than three decades in the financial industry, Davis has held senior leadership positions at Concourse Financial, Synovus Securities, Morgan Stanley and Stifel Financial, which last month finalized a deal to onboard dozens of employee advisors from the beleaguered B.Riley.
Her background includes recruiting advisors, expanding revenue, and leading digital initiatives.
Ransom, who joined NBC Securities in 2021 as director of finance, will now oversee all financial operations in his new role as CFO. He has nearly 15 years of experience across finance functions including budgeting, reporting, and operational efficiency.
NBC Securities is an independent, employee-owned RIA and broker-dealer with $5 billion in assets under advisement or management.
Despite a lighter regulatory outlook and staffing disruptions at the SEC, one compliance expert says RIA firms shouldn't expect a "free pass."
Carson has fully acquired another firm in Florida, while Simon Quick Advisors finds its third perfect-fit partner in a Las Vegas-based boutique.
FINRA has been focused on firms and their use of social media for several years.
The model has surged in popularity thanks to its fiduciary appeal, but the show is far from over for no-fee and commission-based arrangements.
Asset managers filing to launch dual share-class mutual funds, creating an ETF sleeve for existing strategies, could end up eroding key benefits of the wrapper.
How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave
From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.