Retirement Industry People Moves

Salas O’Brien Promotes Hellmer to Director

Irvine, California-based construction engineering company Salas O’Brien promoted Lucas Hellmer to director of compensation and benefits, effective May 12. Hellmer joined Salas O’Brien in 2021, as manager of benefits and compensation. 

Hellmer reports to the vice president of human resources.

Hellmer is responsible for leading the benefit and compensation operations for Salas O’Brien in North America, the total rewards mergers & acquisitions integration effort regarding 401(k) and benefit plans and developing a compensation structure and reward system focusing on short- and long-term incentive packages, he says.

Sequoia Promotes McCauley, Tichnell, Hires Glick as COO

Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC announced that Annie McCauley has assumed the role of executive vice president and chief client experience officer, while Kevin Tichnell is now chief strategy and acquisitions officer. In addition to the two promotions, Joseph Glick has joined the firm as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“Our priorities are organic growth, selective acquisitions, and operational excellence,” Tom Haught, founder and CEO of Sequoia, said in a statement. “Annie is now responsible for organic growth and unifying our client experience, asset management and planning. We welcome Joe to Sequoia in the key role of overseeing our growing operations and breadth of services. Kevin will focus solely on leading our M&A efforts.”

Hub International Mountain Welcomes Jones as Executive VP

Scott Jones

Hub International Mountain States announced Scott Jones as executive vice president of employee benefits sales.

Jones has held leadership positions in employee benefits sales groups as a high-level executive at Hub International since 2015.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jones, based in Boise, Idaho, is involved in multiple small businesses within his family.

Burke Joins Cetera Advisors

Cetera Financial Group announced that senior financial adviser Janet Burke has affiliated with Cetera Advisors by joining Sunrise Wealth Advisors. 

Burke oversees approximately $50 million in assets under administration, as of May 31. These assets will now be housed with Cetera Advisors. She was previously affiliated with Ameriprise Financial Services LLC.

“As a woman in the wealth management field, I’m thrilled to join Cetera, where I feel my unique experiences and voice are both heard and understood,” Burke said in a statement. “I’m also excited by the prospect of offering a boutique-style investment experience to my clients, which is a trademark of Sunrise Wealth Advisors.”

DriveWealth Appoints Pizzorusso as Global CFO

DriveWealth LLC announced the appointment of Jason Pizzorusso as global chief financial officer.

In his new role, Pizzorusso will lead strategy and development of the company’s global growth. Prior to joining DriveWealth, he spent 16 years at Morgan Stanley, most recently as CFO of the wealth management segment.

“Jason is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in our industry,” Bob Cortright, DriveWealth’s CEO, said in a statement. “His expertise and extensive knowledge across both finance and technology will be instrumental in driving our growth and global expansion.”

Stone Ridge Appoints Mathas as Senior Adviser

Stone Ridge Holdings Group announced that Ted Mathas has joined as a senior adviser. Mathas had served as New York Life chairman and CEO for more than 14 years. 

Mathas, who retired from New York Life in April 2022, will help Stone Ridge scale its innovative suite of products purpose-built for financial advisors and insurance companies. Additionally, he will provide mentorship and guidance to its executives and operating subsidiaries.

“I am fortunate to be in a position where I can retire from a full-time role and company I love, but not stop working on things I care deeply about with people who share my values and passion,” said Mathas. “I’m especially excited to help develop and distribute Stone Ridge’s breakthrough innovation of embedding longevity pooling inside asset management strategies.”