EP Wealth, Independent Advisor Alliance announce C-suite hires

EP Wealth and Independent Advisor Alliance have announced additions to their C-suite teams, signaling continued investment in digital transformation and advisor growth as the industry evolves.

EP Wealth Advisors appoints chief product and technology officer

EP Wealth Advisors announced it has named Justin Mikhalevsky as chief product and technology officer, a newly created position effective July 7.

Mikhalevsky, who previously led analytics, AI, and business systems at Kestra, is tasked with integrating product strategy, enterprise technology, and data platforms at EP Wealth.

The firm, which manages more than $36.4 billion in assets and operates over fifty-four offices nationwide, described the hire as part of a broader effort to simplify and scale its digital experiences for clients, advisors, and employees.

Ryan Parker, chief executive of EP Wealth, said in a statement that Mikhalevsky’s “rare blend of thoughtful leadership, technical expertise and pragmatic execution will be instrumental as we take our capabilities to the next level.”

Parker also credited the firm’s technology and legal teams for laying the groundwork for this transition, noting their efforts “enabled critical progress that has positioned us to welcome Justin and move forward with clarity and momentum.”

Mikhalevsky’s appointment follows a period of foundational progress at EP Wealth, including a major migration to Salesforce and the completion of several technology initiatives under interim head Ken LeBlanc and chief legal officer Alan Berkshire.

The firm, which is employee-owned and financially supported by Berkshire Partners, has been expanding its digital infrastructure as part of its long-term growth strategy. Most recently, it broadened its Midwest footprint via its acquisitions of $1.2 billion Rappaport Reiches Capital Management in Chicago and Buffington Mohr McNeal in Boise, Idaho.

Independent Advisor Alliance expands leadership and promotes key staff

Meanwhile, Independent Advisor Alliance has appointed Dale Riley as chief growth officer, rounding out its leadership team and supporting the acceleration of its mergers and acquisitions momentum .

Riley, who joins from LPL Financial where he served as vice president of advisory consulting, will oversee the firm’s nationwide growth strategy, focusing on expanding relationships with partner firms and identifying new business development opportunities.

In a statement, Robert Russo, chief executive and founder of Independent Advisor Alliance, said Riley’s “industry expertise and deep understanding of what advisors need to thrive make him an ideal addition to our team and will ensure our growth efforts are both purposeful and aligned with our core mission.”

Russo added that Riley’s appointment will allow him to focus more directly on helping advisors navigate firm acquisition, succession planning, and long-term growth.

Alongside Riley’s appointment, the firm announced several internal promotions.

Debbie Re has been promoted to director of trading and operations, where she leads the implementation of IAA’s Path Portfolios and manages relationships with custodians and asset managers to ensure seamless operational execution. Margot Wade has been named internal relationship manager, focusing on building long-term partnerships and delivering personalized, high-touch support to advisors.

Tina VonCanon has also rejoined IAA as director of transitions, bringing her transition expertise to guide advisors and their teams through onboarding across platforms and systems.