Ron Carson stepping down as CEO of namesake RIA

Ron Carson stepping down as CEO of namesake RIA
The founder of the national wealth firm is handing over the reins to Burt White, former chief investment officer at LPL.
APR 09, 2024

A seismic executive change has just been announced at Carson Group. Ron Carson, the founder and CEO of the Nebraska-based RIA giant, is stepping down from the chief executive role, the firm announced Tuesday.

Carson will stay on as chairman of the board, while passing the CEO mantle to Burt White.

For more than four decades, Carson built a legendary growth story, transforming an insurance sales operation in his college dorm room into a powerhouse firm with $35.5 billion in assets under management and a network serving 50,000 families across the country.

“I am proud of the legacy we’re building, the growth of our advisor community and the impact we’ve had on thousands of lives,” Carson said in the statement announcing his departure.

“I realize that to continue to be a growth leader in the RIA space, we must adopt a bifocal ability to execute on what’s right in front of us while also innovating and anticipating the needs of our advisors – and clients – years and even decades from now,” he said.

White, who succeeds Carson immediately, joined the firm in 2022 from LPL Financial, where he was managing director and chief investment officer for 14 years. Since then he’s played a pivotal role in Carson Group's expansion, particularly in enhancing the investment platform and contributing to a record growth year.

"I can’t think of a better person than Burt to carry the torch for our mission, advance our offering and attract thought leaders to elevate the business," Carson said.

In his new role as chairman, Carson will focus on the long-term vision for Carson Group, allowing White to spearhead the firm's advisor-centric growth strategy.

This transition will also enable Carson to dedicate more time to his family's humanitarian efforts, including initiatives to combat hunger, provide clean water, and support mental health.

“It’s an honor to build on the foundation Ron has laid," White said, adding that he is "incredibly energized by the opportunities ahead."

Carson’s decision to vacate the CEO role is the latest in a series of leadership disruptions at the firm over the past year, including the departure of Nimesh Patel from his former chief technology officer role last June and Jamie Hopkins stepping down as managing partner of wealth solutions in September.

Latest News

DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week
DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week

Medicare scam, pandemic benefit theft, offshore tax evasion — federal prosecutors are casting a wide net.

Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout

Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future.

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.

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