Wipfli Taps Hightower M&A Veteran to Lead Corporate Development

Event summary

  • Steve Rudnik joins Wipfli as head of corporate development on January 28, 2026.
  • Rudnik previously led M&A at Hightower Advisors, overseeing 50+ deals and building a 15-person team.
  • Wipfli's partnership with New Mountain Capital has accelerated its acquisition-driven growth strategy.
  • Rudnik will focus on scaling Wipfli's M&A capabilities and enhancing client experience.

The big picture

Wipfli's hire underscores the accounting advisory sector's consolidation trend, with mid-tier firms leveraging private equity partnerships to scale through acquisitions. Rudnik's background suggests Wipfli aims to professionalize its M&A function, moving from opportunistic buys to a structured, repeatable process. The move comes as advisory firms face margin pressures, making scale through acquisitions a critical growth lever.

What we're watching

Execution Pace
How quickly Rudnik can operationalize Wipfli's M&A engine to match Hightower's deal velocity.
Strategic Fit
Whether Rudnik's wealth management M&A experience translates effectively to Wipfli's advisory and accounting focus.
New Mountain Synergy
The extent to which New Mountain Capital's involvement accelerates or constrains Wipfli's acquisition targets.