HighTower Announces New Advisor Team in New York

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- HighTower, the first open-source, advisor-owned financial services company, is pleased to announce the addition of a new advisor team in New York, The Morgia Group.

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Tony Morgia is the team's founder and a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower. Previously, he spent more than 30 years at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Michael Morgia and Philip (P.J.) Banazek also join from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as Managing Directors and Partners, and Mark Banazek joins as a financial advisor.

"The Morgia Group has built its practice on the fundamental principles of integrity, excellence and trust, with a focus on delivering thoughtful investment advice," said Elliot Weissbluth, HighTower's CEO. "We're committed to supporting such advisors in their growth as they continue to focus on the needs of their clients."

Tony Morgia began his portfolio management career in 1968 at Spencer Trask, a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Northern New York Community Foundation, the Northern New York Builders Exchange, WNPE/WNPI Public Television, and St. Anthony's Apartments.  Michael Morgia began his career at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in 1988 and is currently the team's lead equity portfolio manager. Philip (P.J.) Banazek was previously a Senior Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and spent 12 years as a Certified Public Accountant. Mark Banazek joined The Morgia Group in 2004 and was previously a financial consultant for two large banking firms.

"HighTower continues to attract the top-notch industry talent as more advisors seek the investment sophistication of a national firm and the greater autonomy and flexibility needed to best serve client interests," said Drew Kornreich, HighTower's President.

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