HighTower Adds Two More Recruiters to Manage Inquiries From Wirehouse Brokers Seeking Independence

CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- HighTower, the first open-source, advisor-owned financial services company, announced that it has added two new recruiters to manage inquiries from wirehouse brokers seeking independence.  The appointments reflect the growing national interest in wirehouse teams seeking independence and considering the HighTower solution.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100504/NY98075LOGO )

Michael Parker, who previously oversaw new business development at LPL Financial for the Northeast region with an exclusive focus on top performing teams, will oversee HighTower's advisor recruiting in the Eastern region. Prior to LPL, Mr. Parker spent nearly 10 years with Smith Barney in various positions including as a financial advisor, branch manager and complex branch manager.

Kevin Geary, who was one of Charles Schwab most successful recruiters, brings 17 years of financial industry experience.  Previously responsible for business development at Charles Schwab for the Northern California region and will cover the Western region for HighTower, including Oregon, California, and other target cities within the Western region.

"HighTower continues to attract the best talent in the industry.  Michael and Kevin have a deep appreciation for the needs of wirehouse advisors," said Elliot Weissbluth, HighTower's CEO. "Michael is a veteran of the financial services industry with a successful record of recruiting advisors from all of the major firms, and Kevin is one of the most well respected custodial recruiters on the West Coast.  We are proud to welcome them both to the HighTower partnership."

Mike Papedis, HighTower's Managing Director in charge of recruiting adds, "Kevin's background at Schwab coupled with my years at Fidelity provides a thorough understanding of two industry-leading platforms.  When you add Michael's industry knowledge of the wirehouse platforms, we have unmatched recruiting bench strength." Previously, Mr. Papedis was one of Fidelity's top recruiters.

"Not only are Mike, Michael and Kevin highly skilled recruiters, but they bring a deep understanding of how to support our advisors once they join HighTower.  They work closely with our Advisor Development efforts to provide insights and guidance on navigating the different custodial offerings," said Drew Kornreich, HighTower's President who oversees the Advisor Development group at HighTower.  

For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Connelly at 973-732-3521 or [email protected].

About HighTower

HighTower is the first open-source, advisor-owned financial services company. HighTower advisors are experienced investment professionals with large, established practices serving high net worth and institutional clients. As a dually-registered, multi-custodial firm, HighTower provides sophisticated investment solutions as well as an independent and unobstructed view of the markets. The company is headquartered in Chicago and maintains corporate centers in New York and San Francisco and offices around the country. See www.hightoweradvisors.com.

SOURCE HighTower