Pontera, NTAM, Siebert, announce senior appointments

Several firms have announced senior appointments in the past week, adding strength to their leadership amid a rapidly changing industry landscape.

The $1.3 trillion AUM Northern Trust Asset Management has appointed Michael Hunstad, PhD and Christian (Chris) Roth, CFA as global co-chief investment officers.

The duo will take up their new roles from June 1, 2025, and will succeed Angelo Manioudakis who is retiring after four years with the firm and an industry career spanning more than 30 years.

Hunstad and Roth will also co-chair the Investment Policy Committee and will report to NTAM president Daniel Gamba. Hunstad has been with NTAM for 12 years and is currently deputy chief investment officer and chief investment officer of global equities. Roth joined in 2024 aftre three decades with Morgan Stanley Investment Management and is currently chief investment officer of global fixed income.

“Michael and Chris have a proven track record of investment expertise and longtime leadership in the asset management industry,” Gamba said. “They have each made significant contributions to NTAM’s investment platform, aligned to NTAM’s core philosophy that investors should be compensated for the risks they take, in all market environments and investment strategies. I am confident that under Michael and Chris’s leadership, NTAM will further strengthen its ability to serve our clients’ investment needs across all asset classes.”

Meanwhile, Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC, the broker-dealer subsidiary of Siebert Financial Corp. has appointed Fredrick Scuteri as chief operating officer. Previously with DriveWealth Institutional he will expand the firm’s operational capabilities and continue investing in infrastructure to support growth across institutional and retail channels.

“My focus will be on streamlining workflows, increasing transparency, and applying automation and AI to help future-proof the business, without compromising the firm’s commitment to client service and regulatory excellence,” he said.

And at Pontera, Kris Beck has been appointed chief legal officer. She has more than two decades of experience including as CLO for a B2B tech firm, and for wealth management firm United Capital Financial Partners.

“Her deep experience and track record working with both B2B technology and wealth management companies will be instrumental as we continue to bring innovative solutions to the retirement industry,” said Pontera CEO Yoav Zurel. “We look forward to Kris’ leadership and counsel in support of Pontera’s work for the benefit of consumers, advisors and employers, and as we navigate the changing landscape of wealth management.”