Raymond James has recruited a team of five advisors to the firm’s employee advisor channel. The Williamsville, N.Y.-based group previously managed over $1 billion in client assets at Merrill Lynch.
The team is led by Christopher Scott, Kevin Klein, Michael Gates and Salvatore Gandolfo and will operate as Scott Klein Gates Gandolfo Wealth Management of Raymond James. They’re joined by financial advisor Jeffrey Baker and client relationship associates Alicia Birch, Jaclyn Greiner, Christina Ivancic and Elia Criola.
Scott spent the last 25 years of his career at Merrill Lynch, while Klein spent more than 20 years at the wirehouse. Gates began his career at Merrill over 14 years ago.
“Knowing that much of the firm’s leadership comes from a financial advising background means they have experienced the same policies we do, fostering a deeper sense of accountability and shared values,” said Scott in a statement. “It’s a refreshing approach that aligns perfectly with our focus on serving clients.”
Earlier this year, Raymond James announced that CFO Paul Shoukry will succeed current CEO Paul Reilly as the firm’s leader in fiscal year 2025, part of a broader “multi-year succession planning process.”
The firm also promoted Tom Walrond to head Raymond James & Associates, replacing Tash Elwyn, who was appointed president of the company’s Private Client Group. In November, Raymond James announced that Shannon Reid would head the firm’s independent contractor division.