IAA taps LPL Financial and Northwestern Mutual as it prepares for growth

IAA taps LPL Financial and Northwestern Mutual as it prepares for growth
Two new executives have joined the alliance of independent advisors.
SEP 11, 2023

The Independent Advisor Alliance has hired two new executives to strengthen its senior management team ahead of a new growth phase.

The North Carolina-based firm, which provides its network of independent financial advisors with solutions and support services to help them boost their business, has hired leaders focused on growth and marketing.  

David Buzo was previously with LPL Financial and brings 17 years of experience to IAA in his new role at chief marketing officer. He has also held marketing roles with MassMutual Financial Group, The MONA Group, and MetLife.

"The prospect of leading transformative efforts energizes me, and I am thrilled to join IAA as chief marketing officer,” Buzo said. “I aim to amplify our market presence, cultivate meaningful connections, and contribute to the firm’s continued success and growth. Together, we will reshape the future of financial marketing."

Meanwhile, Topaz Morrison has joined from Northwestern Mutual, where he was a senior director, to take the role of chief growth officer. His previous experience includes roles with LPL Financial, Allianz Life, and Ameriprise Financial.

"IAA is an amazing organization that puts their partner firms front and center in everything they do. By providing comprehensive solutions and support services, they have uniquely positioned themselves to take advantage of the ever-evolving headwinds that impact the financial advice industry," Morrison said. "I'm humbled to partner with Robert and the leadership team to identify and capture the next phase of growth for IAA."

Latest News

Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls
Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls

Canadian stocks are on a roll in 2025 as the country prepares to name a new Prime Minister.

How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?
How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?

Two C-level leaders reveal the new time-saving tools they've implemented and what advisors are doing with their newly freed-up hours.

Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business
Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business

The RIA led by Merrill Lynch veteran John Thiel is helping its advisors take part in the growing trend toward fee-based annuities.

RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking
RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking

Driven by robust transaction activity amid market turbulence and increased focus on billion-dollar plus targets, Echelon Partners expects another all-time high in 2025.

New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales
New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales

The looming threat of federal funding cuts to state and local governments has lawmakers weighing a levy that was phased out in 1981.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.