Raymond James names Scott Curtis to head private client business

Raymond James announced Thursday that it has appointed Scott Curtis, currently president of its independent-broker unit, head of the company's private client group, putting him in charge of all the firm's domestic retail businesses. The company gave Tash Elwyn, who's currently president of its employee-broker business, the CEO title, adding regulatory oversight and reporting responsibilities to his role. As CEO, Mr. Elwyn succeeds Dennis Zank, who also serves as chief operating officer of the parent company, Raymond James Financial, and who announced plans to retire in April. Finally, the company appointed Jodi Perry president of its independent contractor division. She currently is national director of the independent unit and will continue to report to Mr. Curtis. The company's independent unit is Raymond James Financial Services and its employee unit is Raymond James & Associates. Prior to his current role, Mr. Curtis served as senior vice president of Raymond James & Associates' private client group for six years. Earlier, he was president of the firm's insurance group, Planning Corporation of America, which is now the Raymond James Insurance Group. He joined the firm 15 years ago from GE Financial. Mr. Elwyn has served as president of the private client group since January 2012. He is also on the board of Raymond James Bank and Raymond James Investment Services Ltd. Prior to being appointed to his current position, he was divisional director and senior vice president of the Atlantic division of Raymond James & Associates for five years. He began his Raymond James career in 1993 as a financial adviser trainee. Ms. Perry has served in a variety of leadership roles in the firm's asset management services unit, and in business development and regional management in the (More: Raymond James, on a recruiting roll, looks for an acquisition in the West)