Sagient Taps Veteran Pete Alliegro as First CIO in Strategic Growth Push

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – February 23, 2026 – Independent wealth management firm Sagient has announced the appointment of Pete Alliegro, CFA, to the newly created position of Chief Investment Officer. The move signals a significant strategic pivot for the $2 billion firm, aiming to formalize its investment infrastructure and accelerate its expansion in the competitive advisory landscape. Alliegro, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of industry experience, will report directly to CEO Paul Karlitz and is tasked with shaping the future of the firm's investment philosophy and offerings.

This appointment comes as Sagient continues to define its identity following a major rebranding in October 2023. By bringing in a dedicated investment chief, the firm is making a clear statement about its ambitions to evolve from its deep roots in insurance and risk management into a comprehensive, full-service wealth management powerhouse for sophisticated clients and the advisors who serve them.

Fortifying Investment Leadership for a New Era

In his new capacity as CIO, Alliegro is charged with a critical mission: to refine, document, and implement a more formal and robust approach to Sagient's entire investment ecosystem. This includes its core philosophy, the range of solutions offered to clients, and the analytical processes that underpin every decision. His role is designed to be a cornerstone of the firm's strategy to attract and retain both high-net-worth clients and top-tier financial advisors.

"Pete's more than two decades of experience in investment strategy and portfolio management will be invaluable to Sagient as we continue to enhance our wealth management and financial planning offering," said Paul Karlitz, Chief Executive Officer. Karlitz emphasized that Alliegro's expertise will be instrumental in building upon the firm's long-standing strengths. "His deep knowledge of investment solutions, strong relationship management background and unique business development perspective will help augment Sagient's long-standing insurance and risk management expertise to allow our advisors to serve the growing needs of their sophisticated clients as we continue to build an even stronger full-service advisory firm."

Alliegro's extensive resume lends significant weight to this strategic initiative. Before joining Sagient, he held senior positions at a number of respected financial institutions, including Director of Business Development at SteelPeak Wealth and senior roles at Morgan Stanley, U.S. Trust, Research Affiliates, and Wilshire Associates. This background provides him with a unique perspective on the needs of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors, which he is expected to weave into the fabric of Sagient's client service model.

The "Hybrid" Advantage: Blending Boutique Culture with Institutional Scale

Sagient's move to install a CIO is amplified by its unique operational structure. While it cultivates the flexible and client-centric culture of a boutique firm, it operates with the backing of insurance giant MassMutual. This affiliation provides Sagient’s 85 financial advisors with significant advantages, including access to scale, robust back- and middle-office support, innovative technology, and operational efficiencies that many independent firms struggle to achieve on their own.

The creation of the CIO role represents the next logical step in leveraging this hybrid model. By pairing MassMutual's institutional-grade infrastructure with a bespoke investment framework led by Alliegro, Sagient aims to offer a compelling value proposition: the personalized service of an independent advisor supported by the resources and stability of a major financial player. This strategy is particularly potent in the crowded Southern California market, where firms must aggressively differentiate themselves to capture market share.

Alliegro's mandate includes building out a comprehensive wealth management infrastructure with a diverse array of investment options tailored to clients at every stage of their financial journey. He is also tasked with developing a new, rigorous review framework specifically for the firm's high-net-worth clientele, ensuring their complex needs are met with the highest level of diligence and strategic insight.

The Evolving CIO Role in Independent Wealth Management

Sagient's decision reflects a broader, powerful trend across the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry. As client expectations evolve, independent firms are increasingly recognizing the need for dedicated, high-caliber investment leadership. The modern CIO role extends far beyond simply picking stocks or managing model portfolios; it involves architecting a firm's entire investment culture and capability set.

The demand is driven by clients who are more informed and seek solutions that are not only customized but also demonstrate sophisticated risk management. Off-the-shelf investment models are no longer sufficient for individuals and families with complex balance sheets and long-term goals. Consequently, RIAs are investing in leaders who can build and oversee institutional-quality investment platforms, conduct deep due diligence on both public and private market opportunities, and effectively communicate complex strategies to advisors and their end clients.

Alliegro himself noted the significance of this moment for the firm. "Sagient is committed to creating customized investment solutions that balance the need for growth, protection and risk management, and I'm excited to join this team at such a pivotal time," he stated. "The firm has terrific momentum and is building a full wealth management ecosystem to reflect today's evolving industry and the changing and often complex needs of clients. I look forward to leveraging my background to help our advisors better support the needs of clients."

A New Magnet for Attracting Top Advisor Talent

Beyond enhancing client service, the appointment of a seasoned CIO is a powerful tool in the ongoing "talent wars" within the wealth management industry. The ability to attract and retain elite financial advisors is a key determinant of a firm's long-term success, and Sagient's latest move is a direct appeal to advisors seeking a more supportive and sophisticated platform.

For financial advisors considering a move, a firm's investment infrastructure is a critical piece of the puzzle. The presence of a leader like Alliegro, who is dedicated to building out best-in-class tools, research, and investment options, can be a decisive factor. It signals that the firm is serious about empowering its advisors to compete at the highest level and deliver superior outcomes for clients. This support system allows advisors to spend less time on operational and investment management minutiae and more time on what they do best: building relationships and providing holistic financial advice.

Alliegro's role explicitly includes serving as a subject-matter expert in the firm's strategic advisor recruiting efforts. His credibility and experience are expected to resonate with advisors currently at large wirehouses who may be contemplating a move to the independent channel but are hesitant to lose the institutional resources they are accustomed to. By offering a combination of independence, entrepreneurial culture, and now, formalized investment leadership, Sagient is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for the industry's top talent.