Lenox Advisors and Matter Family Office are bolstering their leadership with significant C-suite appointments.
Lenox Advisors, a wealth management and insurance advisory firm affiliated with NFP, an Aon company, has promoted Kristi Vassak to chief operating officer.
Vassak, a decades-long veteran of the industry who joined Lenox in 2005, previously led its Business and Strategic Solutions division. As COO, she will oversee strategic initiatives and drive operational efficiencies to support the firm’s continued growth.
"This promotion reflects Kristi's exceptional leadership and her ability to drive better outcomes through collaboration, focus and accountability," Greg Large, president of Lenox Advisors, said in a statement.
"Kristi is a proven leader and operational expert, who has strong relationships inside and outside the company, and we are thrilled to leverage her capabilities and understanding of our business as we steer Lenox Advisors into its next phase," Large said.
Last June, Lenox announced it had expanded in the Mid-Atlantic wealth space with its acquisition of Martin/Wight & Company, a Baltimore, Maryland-based independent overseeing $800 million in AUM.
Meanwhile, Matter Family Office, which serves ultra-high-net-worth families, has announced an expanded role for Courtney Pullen, appointing him as its full-time chief learning officer.
Based in the firm’s Denver office, Pullen will lead its Culture and Learning practice, focusing on helping families navigate wealth across generations.
"Courtney has been an integral part of our team as a consultant for over a decade, helping to build and shape our Culture and Learning services," Kathy Lintz, partner and CEO at Matter Family Office, said Wednesday.
Pullen has worked extensively with affluent families to develop strategies for managing wealth while fostering healthy financial relationships. His transition to a full-time role comes as the firm looks to meet increasing client demand.
"With Courtney joining us full-time, we are poised to meet the growing demand from clients and prospects for these unique services, distinguishing Matter from others in the industry," Lintz said.
Both appointments reflect ongoing leadership shifts within the wealth management sector as firms adjust to evolving client needs and operational priorities.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
