Rockefeller taps industry veteran to lead new unified group

The wealth firm’s latest leadership hire will take charge of developing innovative investments and client solutions.

Rockefeller is welcoming an industry veteran into its leadership team as it undertakes a significant reorganization. Christopher Kirk is joining Rockefeller Capital Management’s leadership team as its new managing director and head of investment and client solutions.

Kirk’s appointment marks a strategic move by Rockefeller to unify its investment solutions and strategic client solutions groups under the new investment and client solutions banner.

“As a highly regarded leader who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the business, Chris is ideally suited to assume this critical leadership role at the firm,” Gregory Fleming, Rockefeller’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

With a multidecade track record in the financial industry,, Kirk joins Rockefeller after two decades at Wellington Management, where he held significant leadership roles including a stint as president of both Wellington Alternative Investments and Wellington Funds US. Before that, he headed up the investment banking division at Merrill Lynch.

At Rockefeller, Kirk will report directly to Eric Heaton, head of finance, risk management, and strategy. He’ll also be reporting to Fleming for strategic projects and initiatives, as well as to Edmond Moriarty III, executive vice president and chief operating officer for cross-business synergy.

Kirk is taking charge of a seasoned leadership team that includes Rose Lee, head of investment solutions; Michael Brakey, head of client solutions; and Samantha Cooper, head of distribution for investment and client solutions.

As part of his broad mandate, he will partner with Christopher Dupuy, president of the firm’s global family office, to develop top-tier solutions for the firm’s investment platform.

Kirk will also work with Rockefeller’s strategic advisory team – led by its co-presidents Jim Ratigan and Steve Valentino – to find exclusive direct and co-investment opportunities for clients.

Rockefeller’s announced unification of its investment and client solutions groups comes roughly a month after it welcomed Variant Path Group – a North Carolina team with over a billion dollars in assets from Morgan Stanley – into its wealth management division.

In January, it welcomed a Michigan-based wealth team from Merrill Lynch, as well as a former UBS advisor in North Carolina.