SGI Taps Tech Veteran to Redefine Advisor and Client Success

BOUNTIFUL, UT – May 18, 2026 – Summit Global Investments (SGI), a fast-growing independent investment advisor, today announced a significant strategic move with the appointment of Michael Barnett to the newly created role of Managing Director. Barnett will spearhead the firm's initiatives in Advisor Success, Client Success, and Technology Strategy, reporting directly to Founder and CEO David Harden.

The creation of this executive position signals a deliberate push by SGI to integrate advanced technology with a deep-seated commitment to service excellence. As the wealth management industry grapples with digital transformation, this hire positions SGI to enhance its support systems for both its financial advisors and their clients, aiming to set a new standard for efficiency and personalized care in the independent advisory space.

A Strategic Hire for a Growing Firm

Barnett's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Summit Global Investments. The Bountiful, Utah-based firm has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, with its Assets Under Management (AUM) soaring from approximately $275 million in 2016 to over $2.29 billion as of early 2026. This substantial expansion, representing a more than eightfold increase in a decade, underscores the firm's successful investment strategies and growing market footprint.

This rapid growth necessitates a robust and scalable infrastructure to maintain the high-touch service model SGI is known for. The firm, which provides comprehensive services from investment management to family office solutions, has earned significant industry recognition. Recent accolades include multiple PSN Zephyr Top Guns Awards for its risk-adjusted returns, consistent recognition from Investor's Business Daily for its mutual funds, and a place on Newsweek's list of Top 100 Advisory Firms in the US in 2025. Barnett's role is clearly designed to build upon this foundation, ensuring that SGI's operational and technological capabilities can support its continued expansion and its commitment to fiduciary guidance.

Bridging Experience with Technology

Michael Barnett brings a unique and powerful combination of experience to SGI. His career spans two decades at industry giant Fidelity Investments, where he led diverse client-facing teams serving both retail and high-net-worth segments. This work involved direct oversight of Investor Centers, Portfolio Advisory Services, and Personal Trust & Estate Planning Services, giving him a ground-level understanding of client needs and advisor challenges.

Following his tenure at Fidelity, Barnett held a senior leadership role at Voya Financial, where he was instrumental in building and growing its independent and retail advisory organization. More recently, he pivoted to leadership roles in technology and cybersecurity, an experience he says taught him that "the right technology makes great advisors even better and great client experiences even more meaningful."

This blend of traditional wealth management leadership and modern technology expertise is precisely what SGI was seeking. "Michael brings exactly the combination of experience and character that SGI esteems," said David Harden, Founder and CEO of Summit Global Investments. "His background in building advisor and client success programs at a national-scale, combined with his technology leadership, makes him uniquely suited to help us achieve our vision of becoming the most trusted and efficient investment advisor. We are thrilled to have him join the SGI family."

Barnett's appointment reflects a broader trend in the financial services talent market, where firms are increasingly prioritizing leaders who can bridge the gap between legacy financial acumen and the demands of a digital-first world.

The Future of Advisor and Client Experience

In his new capacity, Barnett is tasked with a dual mandate: enhancing the human element of financial advice while building the technological framework to support it. He will oversee the expansion of programs and infrastructure that empower SGI's advisors, aiming to streamline their workflows so they can focus exclusively on client relationships and strategic advice.

This focus aligns perfectly with dominant trends in the wealth management industry. Research shows that a vast majority of firms now see digital capabilities as critically important, with investors increasingly preferring digital and mobile channels for interaction. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, integrated technology platforms, and sophisticated client portals are no longer futuristic concepts but table stakes for competitive RIAs. Barnett's role will involve leading SGI's technology strategy, including the ongoing development of its platform and the evolution of its digital experience for both advisors and clients.

"SGI has built something remarkable. World-class investment capabilities. A deep commitment to its advisors and clients. And a clear vision for where the industry is going," Barnett stated. "I am excited to be part of this team. My focus is simple: make sure every SGI advisor has everything they need to serve their clients at the highest possible level, and make sure every client feels that in every interaction."

Navigating the Competitive WealthTech Landscape

SGI's strategic investment in this new role occurs within a fiercely competitive environment. Independent advisory firms across the country are racing to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency, meet evolving client expectations, and navigate a complex regulatory landscape. The industry is moving away from siloed software solutions toward integrated, API-first platforms that unify CRM, financial planning, and portfolio management into a single, seamless experience.

By hiring a leader dedicated to this synthesis of service and technology, SGI is making a clear statement about its future direction. The goal is not to replace human advisors with algorithms, but to augment their capabilities. By leveraging technology to automate administrative tasks, generate data-driven insights, and provide clients with real-time portfolio access, firms can free up their advisors to do what they do best: build trust, understand client goals, and provide complex, empathetic financial counsel. This "human-first" approach, powered by best-in-class technology, is central to SGI's strategy for differentiation and sustained growth in the years ahead. Barnett's leadership will be crucial in turning that vision into a tangible reality for the firm's advisors and the clients they serve.