The first half of 2023 boosted the assets under management at Wealth Enhancement Group by $7.6 billion to more than $68 billion, helped by several sizeable acquisitions.
Now the national independent wealth management firm has announced some new members of its executive leadership team as it eyes continued growth and recognizes the importance of its advisor teams, business process transformation, new client acquisition, and legal and compliance principles.
They include Dawn Elmore who is promoted to senior vice president of business process transformation; Michelle Brownstein, CFP, who joins the firm as chief new client development officer from Empower; and Craig Erickson, also from Empower, who senior vice president of brand and creative.
Chief compliance officer Elizabeth Hansen, and chief legal officer Bill Rice also join the executive leadership team.
"Wealth Enhancement has seen a remarkable amount of growth, both through M&A and organic initiatives,” said CEO Jeff Dekko. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of exceptional new executives to our firm, whose expertise and vision will fuel our continued growth and success. With these additions, clients will benefit from a more robust and personalized service offering, while advisors gain a stronger platform for growth."
Wealth Enhancement Group was named the most active acquirer in Echelon’s second quarter RIA M&A Deal Report.
The firm onboarded eight RIAs in the first half of 2023 including a $1.1 billion firm in Minnesota and another $1.1 billion firm in Northern California.
"I am immensely proud of Wealth Enhancement's remarkable achievements in both M&A activity and organic growth,” said Jim Cahn, chief investments & business development officer of Wealth Enhancement. “Our organic growth platform continues to entice more acquisition opportunities from growth-minded advisors. Wealth Enhancement's strategic vision, coupled with the dedication and expertise of our team, has positioned us as one of the nation's leading RIA growth platforms."
The firm’s clients have invested 31% more new money year-over-year in the first half of 20223, while net flows invested are up +13% year-over-year.
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
