Cresset Taps Veteran Leader to Spearhead Ambitious National Expansion

CHICAGO, IL – March 03, 2026 – In a strategic move signaling a new phase of aggressive growth, independent wealth management firm Cresset has appointed MeMe McNairy-Glenn to the newly created role of Managing Director, National Strategic Growth. The appointment places McNairy-Glenn at the helm of the firm's ambitious plans for national expansion, charging her with attracting elite advisory teams and deepening relationships with the ultra-high-net-worth families they serve.

This move comes as Cresset, founded in 2017, continues its meteoric rise in the competitive wealth management sector. The firm, which has grown to over $235 billion in assets under management and advisement, is positioning itself for long-term endurance, aiming to build what it calls a "100+ year firm." McNairy-Glenn's role is pivotal to this vision, focusing on scaling the firm's footprint while preserving its client-centric culture.

A Calculated Push for National Dominance

McNairy-Glenn's appointment is far more than a routine personnel announcement; it is a clear indicator of Cresset's calculated strategy to solidify its position as a dominant force in the multi-family office space. The wealth management industry is in the midst of a historic consolidation wave, with a record number of mergers and acquisitions driven by private equity investment and the need for scale. Cresset has been an active participant, growing both organically and through strategic acquisitions, such as its 2024 integration of The Connable Office, a family office with a 130-year history.

In this environment, McNairy-Glenn's background appears tailor-made for the challenges ahead. Before joining Cresset, she spent over a decade at International Farming Corporation, where as Partner, COO, and Head of Capital Formation, she was instrumental in scaling the private markets investment firm from a startup to approximately $2.5 billion in assets. This experience in building institutional relationships and operational infrastructure from the ground up provides her with a proven playbook for executing complex growth initiatives.

Her mandate at Cresset is twofold: expand the firm's reach to business founders, entrepreneurs, and multigenerational families, and simultaneously identify and recruit top-tier advisory teams seeking an independent platform. This dual focus is critical for sustainable growth in an industry where talent and assets are inextricably linked.

"MeMe understands that sustainable growth is rooted in trust and shared values," said Jessica Malkin, Chief Growth Officer at Cresset, in the firm's announcement. "Her ability to build meaningful relationships — with both advisors and families — will help ensure that as we expand nationally, we do so in a way that strengthens our culture and enhances the experience we deliver to clients."

Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Relational Growth Model

At the core of Cresset's strategy is a belief that for the ultra-wealthy, financial partnership transcends transactions. McNairy-Glenn's focus on a "deeply relational approach" directly targets the complex needs of multigenerational families, whose primary concerns often shift from pure wealth accumulation to legacy preservation, family governance, and value alignment.

For these clients, effective wealth management involves intricate tax efficiency strategies, sophisticated estate planning, and access to institutional-quality private investments—all services Cresset aims to deliver. However, the firm's key differentiator is its 'by families, for families' ethos. This philosophy resonates with clients who require a partner that understands the nuances of managing generational wealth and family dynamics.

"I'm honored to take on this role at an important moment in Cresset's evolution," McNairy-Glenn stated. "Our firm was built by families who understand both the complexity and opportunity of generational wealth. I look forward to welcoming exceptional advisors and new client families who are seeking a thoughtful, long-term partner."

This same relational model is central to the firm's advisor recruitment efforts. The industry is seeing a significant migration of advisors away from traditional wirehouses toward independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) models. These advisors are often searching for greater autonomy, a client-first fiduciary standard, and a culture that supports entrepreneurial growth. By tasking McNairy-Glenn with identifying advisors who align with Cresset's values, the firm is betting that cultural fit is as important as the size of an advisor's book of business, fostering a more stable and cohesive platform for the long term.

Navigating a Competitive Talent Market

The landscape for financial talent is more competitive than ever. The industry faces a looming demographic cliff, with nearly half of all advisors within a decade of retirement. This has ignited a fierce war for talent, with firms offering increasingly lucrative packages to attract experienced professionals and their clients. Cresset's strategy is to compete not just on compensation, but on the strength of its platform, culture, and long-term vision.

McNairy-Glenn's leadership is critical in this context. Her appointment to a key strategic growth role also reflects a positive trend of increasing female leadership in the upper echelons of finance. Her proven ability to scale businesses and forge lasting partnerships will be essential as Cresset navigates this challenging recruitment environment. Her perspective, which the firm notes is informed by a personal understanding of family enterprise dynamics, will be a key asset in communicating Cresset's value proposition to both prospective clients and advisors.

As Cresset continues its national expansion, the success of its ambitious strategy will hinge on its ability to integrate new teams and families without diluting the core principles that fueled its initial success. With MeMe McNairy-Glenn leading the charge, the firm has placed a significant bet on the power of strategic, relationship-driven growth to build an enduring legacy in the world of wealth management.