Rockefeller taps industry veteran to lead new unified group

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.
MAR 05, 2024

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.

Muni bonds terrific this tax season, says Western Asset strategist

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

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.