NewEdge Wealth deepens Atlanta expansion with two new senior hires

NewEdge Wealth deepens Atlanta expansion with two new senior hires
Latest hires reunite former Morgan Stanley and Edge Capital colleagues as part of NewEdge Wealth’s Southeastern expansion strategy
APR 21, 2025

NewEdge Wealth has expanded its leadership team in Atlanta with the appointment of two financial professionals, marking another step in the firm’s ongoing growth across the Southeast.

Paul Izlar joins as managing director, while Brendan Keelan takes the role of principal, investment solutions, fixed income.

The two join a group of former colleagues from Edge Capital Partners, including William deButts and Jimmy Patrick, who became managing directors at NewEdge in January.

The hires are part of the firm’s strategy to build out its capabilities for ultra high net worth families, family offices and institutional clients in a region experiencing demographic and economic shifts.

NewEdge Wealth operates as part of NewEdge Capital Group, a broader platform serving independent advisors and wealth management teams across the country.

“As the home for more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies, Atlanta has always been a significant wealth hub,” Rob Sechan, co-founder and chief executive of NewEdge Wealth, said in a statement. “In addition, the metro area is experiencing a transformative wealth migration, furthering our commitment to support the evolving needs of ultra high net worth clients.”

Izlar brings more than 30 years of experience in private client and institutional advisory work. He began his wealth management career at Morgan Stanley, where he worked alongside NewEdge Wealth co-founders Rob Sechan and Jeffrey Kobernick, as well as president John Straus. He later became a founding partner at Edge Capital Partners and held senior leadership positions at Credit Suisse, including southeast regional manager and national head of client acquisition.

Meanwhile, Keelan has nearly 20 years of experience in the wealth management sector. Prior to joining NewEdge, he held investment positions at Edge Capital Partners and StableRiver Capital Management. He also founded Keelan Capital, an RIA, in 2022.

The expansion reflects NewEdge Wealth’s continued focus on attracting professionals with deep market knowledge and established client relationships. The firm’s approach combines personalized advice with access to institutional resources, aiming to position itself competitively within the high-net-worth advisory segment.

The latest move in Atlanta extend the firm's momentum in strengthening its leadership, including the June appointment of Brian Nick as managing director and head of portfolio strategy. This year in February, Kobernick was also given an expanded role as he got elevated to vice chairman of NewEdge Capital Group.

Latest News

Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech
Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech

Summit Financial unveiled a suite of eight new tools, including AI lead gen and digital marketing software, while MassMutual forges a new partnership with Orion.

SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud
SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud

A new analysis shows the number of actions plummeting over a six-month period, potentially due to changing priorities and staffing reductions at the agency.

MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm
MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm

The strategic merger of equals with the $27 billion RIA firm in Los Angeles marks what could be the largest unification of the summer 2025 M&A season.

Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs
Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs

Report highlights lack of options for those faced with emergency expenses.

LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says
LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says

However, Raymond James has had success recruiting Commonwealth advisors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

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.