Asset management and 401(k) provider Symmetry Partners has hired former BlackRock director Timothy Baker, CFA, as director of product strategy. In his new role, Baker will be responsible for overseeing Symmetry’s product suite, with a focus on developing the firm’s factor-based ETF models.
According to the company, the new hire comes at a time of rapid growth for Symmetry. The expansion includes the hiring of 14 employees company-wide since January 2015–a 16 percent total increase. The firm recently unveiled its new headquarters in Glastonbury, Connecticut, which is set to hold up to 200 employees.
The firm has also expanded its relationships with both regional and national banks and added to its team of dedicated wholesalers to work exclusively with its banking partners. As part of his new role, Baker will help educate advisors and investors on these new initiatives, including the firm’s foray into alternatives.
While at BlackRock, Baker was responsible for the promotion of smart beta/factor investing in the United States across institutional and retail channels, as well as the promotion of the global equity product suite across all of the Americas for institutional and retail channels.
Symmetry announced additional hires, including:
- Eric Krusiewicz, CFA,who will assume the role of Senior Investment Strategist after having spent much of his career in private equity, most recently at Colonial Consulting LLC. Krusiewicz will work with Symmetry’s research and sales departments to communicate investment strategy.
- Bob Matala, CIMAjoins the firm as Regional Business Consultant where he will support the business growth needs of financial advisors throughout the Southeast region. He previously served as vice president and regional wealth consultant at Envestnet.
- Nathaniel Poole, CFSjoins Symmetry as Regional Business Consultant where he will support the business growth needs of financial advisors throughout the Central region. Previously, Poole was a hybrid wholesaler at Jackson National Life.
- Michael Jordan, CFP, CIMA, CFS joins Symmetry as a Regional Business Consultant, where he will support the business growth needs of financial advisors throughout New England. Previously, Jordan was regional vice president for Jackson National Life.
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
