Advisor-focused hires lead latest wave of wealth management leadership moves

Advisor-focused hires lead latest wave of wealth management leadership moves
Product, recruiting, and client strategy roles dominate latest senior appointments at firms including Franklin, Edwards, Bernstein, Ellevest.
APR 01, 2026

Wealth and asset management firms are reshaping their leadership teams, with the most consequential recent hires centered on product delivery, advisor recruiting, and high-growth client segments.

At Franklin Templeton, a trio of senior appointments signals a push to better align product, distribution, and client engagement.

The firm named Brett Mossman to oversee product strategy across wealth and institutional channels, spanning mutual funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts, and model portfolios. His remit includes working across investment, sales, and product teams to streamline how advisors access and implement strategies.

Meanwhile, Kim Roy has been promoted and tasked with improving how the organization delivers a unified experience to clients. Her role includes advancing integration across the key areas of client data, CRM systems, AI, and service capabilities.

Rounding out the leadership changes, Lyenda Delp will lead a newly combined platform focused on institutional and insurance clients, reflecting growing convergence between institutional capabilities and wealth solutions.

“We are reshaping our leadership with our clients at the center and aligning to how they want to engage – through a more integrated client experience,” said Daniel Gamba. “By operating as One Franklin Templeton, we are strengthening our ability to deliver across our platform, scale our highest-growth opportunities, and build deeper, more trusted client partnerships globally.”

Benjamin F. Edwards preps for growth

Benjamin F. Edwards has appointed Tim Boostrom to lead advisor hiring and branch expansion nationwide.

Boostrom will oversee recruiting across both employee and independent advisor channels, as the firm looks to expand its presence while maintaining a focus on cultural alignment.

“Recruiting is one of the most critical drivers of our long-term strategy,” said Benjamin F. 'Tad' Edwards. “Tim is stepping into our lead recruiting role at an important moment for the firm. He will help us grow thoughtfully across both our employee and independent models, ensuring we continue to attract advisors who share our commitment to clients, culture and independence.”

Boostrom emphasized that growth will be selective rather than purely volume-driven.

“Scale is important, but character will always matter more,” he said. “Benjamin F. Edwards, the successor firm to A.G. Edwards, has built a firm around trust, independence, long-term partnership and wealth creation. My goal is to help the firm grow with the right advisors -- people who want to build enduring businesses that are consistent with their client-first values.”

Bernstein boosts business bench

Firms are also sharpening their focus on high-value client segments. At Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Kim Mustin has taken on an expanded national leadership role overseeing the firm’s business owner segment.

The move reflects rising demand from founders navigating liquidity events and succession planning. Bernstein said new business from this segment in the first quarter of 2026 has already surpassed 30% of its full-year 2025 total, with 75% of its advisors serving business owners.

“For many founders, a liquidity event is a once in a lifetime moment that can profoundly affect them and their families,” noted Mustin. “Yet most face this process without prior experience, needing to make critical decisions about valuation, timing, tax strategy, and what comes next. Our role is to help clients prepare for this pivotal moment while supporting their families and the future of their businesses. Iʼm excited to expand my role and deliver a modern family office experience that adds value throughout the entire ownership journey.”

Ellevest scales at ‘critical time’

Ellevest has named Michael Barnes as chief operating officer as it scales its platform amid shifting demographics in wealth.

Barnes will oversee operations, technology, and client experience, building on prior experience at the firm and most recently as managing director and head of operations at Robertson Stephens.

“With the Great Wealth Transfer underway and women on track to control $30 trillion by 2030, Ellevest is scaling at a critical time” said Dr. Sylvia Kwan. “Mike’s leadership will be instrumental in optimizing our operations and elevating the client experience as we enter our next phase of growth.”

Taken together, the latest appointments highlight where firms are placing their bets: expanding product access and model delivery, intensifying advisor recruiting efforts, and building specialized capabilities for key client segments — all while investing in technology and operating models that can scale across the evolving retail wealth landscape.

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline