Vanguard selects head of FAS division
Vanguard has appointed Amma Boateng to head its Financial Advisor Services (FAS) division, following the retirement of Tom Rampulla, managing director and head of FAS.
Boateng joined Vanguard in 2004 and currently leads the Broker-Dealer channel within FAS, serving wirehouse, independent, and regional broker-dealers with investment products and services. She will join Vanguard’s senior leadership team and become the head of the division effective January 1, 2024.
Before leading Broker-Dealer, Boateng built and led Vanguard’s Advisor Solutions function, responsible for delivering value-added capabilities and resources to Vanguard’s financial advisor clients, including technology, portfolio solutions, and thought leadership. Prior to leading Advisor Solutions, Boateng held roles in Vanguard’s Investment Management, Finance, and Personal Investor divisions. She holds degrees from both Dartmouth College and Stanford Business School.
“Amma has been central to building a sophisticated offer for our financial advisor clients,” said Tim Buckley, Vanguard’s CEO and chairman, in a statement. “She brings deep expertise in global capital markets, strong digital acumen, and a passion for helping advisors drive investment success for individual investors.”
Rampulla joined Vanguard in 1988 and was appointed to Vanguard’s senior leadership team as head of FAS in 2015. Under his leadership, FAS has grown to manage more than $3 trillion in assets, serving more than 150,000 financial advisors with investments, services, education, and research. Prior to running the FAS division, he served as the first head of Vanguard’s U.K. and European operations from 2008 to 2015. Previously, he spent six years helping establish the FAS business and expanding distribution of Vanguard’s U.S. ETF product lineup.
“For more than 35 years, Tom has worked tirelessly for Vanguard clients and crew,” said Vanguard Chairman and CEO Tim Buckley. “…His passion for serving individual investors and those who serve them has elevated the FAS business to new heights—investing in crew, leveraging technology, and redefining service.”
Ascensus expands Retirement Distribution team
Ascensus has appointed two new members to the Retirement Distribution team: Justin Sabol, regional vice president; and Kate Whitmore, vice president of Business Development, Pooled Plans.
Sabol will assume responsibility for driving sales growth and client relationships for the East Region—covering New Jersey and Delaware—and will report to Anthony Bologna, divisional vice president, Eastern Region of Retirement Distribution.
Sabol brings more than 20 years’ experience in the retirement industry and most recently served as a regional sales director (External Wholesaler), at OneAmerica Retirement Services.
Whitmore will focus on helping Ascensus expand its Pooled Plan franchise, working with advisors to drive adoption of existing programs and establish new relationships. She will align with the regional vice presidents in the Eastern Region and report to Mindy O’Connor, head of Business Development, Retirement.
Most recently, Whitmore served as director of Pooled Plan Sales at Transamerica Retirement Solutions.
“Kate and Justin are both terrific additions to our organization,” said Jason Crane, Ascensus’ head of Retirement Distribution. “They broaden our perspective and heighten expertise, and I’m confident they will have a positive impact on both advisor support and our commitment to delivering expanded solutions to the marketplace.”
Financial services veteran joins Cetera
Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) announced today that Karen Jones has joined the Cetera Investors office in Tampa, Florida.
Jones, a 37-year veteran in the field, provides financial planning and investment advice to clients and had about $71 million in assets under administration as of October 31.
“I could not be more pleased to join the positive and collaborative culture both within the Cetera Investors’ Tampa, Florida Office as well as at Cetera Financial Group,” Jones said in a statement. “I made the choice to affiliate with Cetera Investors after watching several peers do the same, and I am encouraged by my experience in a short amount of time. Through my entire career, I have never experienced the quality of encouragement and support I’ve encountered here.”
“We are pleased to welcome Karen to our growing office, and we are confident that she is a great fit at Cetera Investors,” added Matt Schommer, branch manager for the Tampa, Florida office of Cetera Investors. “Karen brings with her a wealth of experience and deep relationships with her clients. Pairing her strengths and expertise with our resources will empower Karen’s practice to continue thriving for years to come.”
Jones holds both her Series 7 and Series 63 registrations.
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Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with over six years of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. Amanda received her degree in journalism and government and politics at St. John’s University. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado with her partner. In her free time, Amanda enjoys running, cooking, and watching the latest drama show.
