Private Advisor Group Fortifies Leadership for Future Growth

MORRISTOWN, NJ – February 11, 2026

Private Advisor Group, a leading financial services firm with over $41.3 billion in assets under management, has announced a significant expansion of its leadership team with four strategic hires aimed at enhancing its support for independent financial advisors. The move signals a concerted effort to deepen its resources in a competitive wealth management landscape.

The new appointments include Daniel Johnson as Director of Advisor Strategy, Greg Gavin as Director of Growth & Engagement, Jamie Kulik as Chief of Staff & Sales Enablement, and Kevin Bohrer as Director of Corporate Finance. These roles span critical areas of the business, reinforcing the firm's commitment to its network of advisors.

"These additions reflect our advisor-first approach," said Frank Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Private Advisor Group, in a statement. "As experienced leaders, they bring a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and advisor-centric focus that will help continue to support our growing community and drive long-term value for advisors and their clients."

The hires are part of a broader, ongoing strategy to invest in top-tier talent, building on similar appointments made over the past year. This sustained focus on human capital underscores the firm's ambition to not only manage its current growth but to accelerate its position as a premier destination for independent advisors.

Bolstering the Core Advisor Value Proposition

In an industry where firms are fiercely competing for both assets and advisor talent, Private Advisor Group's latest move appears focused on enhancing the tangible value it provides to its advisor community. Each new role is specifically designed to address a critical pain point or growth opportunity for independent practices.

Daniel Johnson, as Director of Advisor Strategy, is tasked with helping advisors look beyond daily operations toward long-term success. His focus on business insights and strategic planning aims to equip advisors with the tools to define and execute their vision, a crucial service for entrepreneurs navigating a complex market.

Similarly, Greg Gavin's role as Director of Growth & Engagement directly targets the engine of any advisory practice. He will spearhead initiatives in practice management and community programming, creating a support system designed to meet advisors at every stage of their business lifecycle, from emerging practices to established enterprises seeking new avenues for expansion.

The appointment of Jamie Kulik as Chief of Staff & Sales Enablement brings a wealth of industry experience to the firm. With over 16 years in financial services, including a significant tenure as Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at LPL Financial, Kulik is poised to drive enterprise-wide execution and cross-functional alignment. Her deep background in business development and compliance provides a strong foundation for enhancing sales enablement, ultimately helping advisors operate more efficiently and effectively.

Addressing the Critical Need for Succession Planning

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of the announcement is the focus on advisor succession. Kevin Bohrer, in his role as Director of Corporate Finance, will oversee financial planning and analysis with a specific mandate around the firm's "high-demand advisor succession and liquidity programs."

The wealth management industry is facing a demographic shift, with a large percentage of advisors approaching retirement age. For many, their practice represents their life's work and most significant asset. Providing clear, structured, and well-supported pathways to monetization and transition is no longer a peripheral benefit but a core requirement for firms supporting independent advisors.

Bohrer's role suggests Private Advisor Group is doubling down on its commitment to this area. Effective succession programs typically involve sophisticated practice valuation, curated buyer-seller matching within the firm's network, access to financing solutions, and robust operational support to ensure a seamless transition for clients. By dedicating a director-level position to these initiatives, the firm is signaling to both current and prospective advisors that it has the infrastructure to help them navigate one of the most critical decisions of their professional careers.

A Strategic Power Play in the Carolinas

Beyond the functional expertise these hires bring, their geographic location reveals another layer of the firm's strategy. All four new leaders are based near Private Advisor Group's Rock Hill, South Carolina office, marking a deliberate expansion of the firm's presence in the Carolinas.

This move is more than a matter of convenience; it's a strategic regional power play. The Carolinas, particularly the Charlotte metropolitan area which includes Rock Hill, have become a burgeoning hub for the financial services industry, attracting firms and talent with a favorable business climate and a growing affluent population.

By establishing a core team of senior leaders in the region, Private Advisor Group is building a localized ecosystem for advisor support, recruitment, and engagement. This physical presence allows for more direct interaction with advisors in the Southeast, fostering a stronger sense of community and providing a tangible base for regional growth. The investment indicates a belief that the Southeast will be a key driver of the firm's future expansion and an essential market for attracting top-tier advisory practices. This on-the-ground leadership team is positioned to spearhead that growth, making the firm a more formidable competitor in one of the nation's fastest-growing economic regions.