Hightower Taps President
Hightower has appointed Roberto Stewart as president and chief business officer (CBO), effective immediately. An operating executive with more than three decades of leadership experience, Stewart will lead enterprise services and support the firm’s next phase of growth by advancing Hightower One, Hightower’s back- and middle-office platform.
His focus will be on simplifying how advisors engage with the platform, reducing operational friction, and strengthening the systems that enable growth and client service.
He will oversee operations, technology, risk, product, PMO, and integrations, with a mandate to further align the platform in support of advisors and their clients.
“Roberto is a proven leader who knows how to simplify complexity and build platforms that drive long-term value,” said Larry Restieri, chief executive officer of Hightower. “His experience scaling complex organizations and strengthening core capabilities will be critical as we continue to evolve Hightower One, reduce barriers for advisors, and support continued expansion across the platform.”
Stewart joins from Engle Martin, a portfolio company of BW Forsyth Partners, where he served as chief operating officer. He led several of the firm’s largest business units and oversaw enterprise operations across a global, multi-entity platform.
Prior to Engle Martin, Stewart held senior leadership roles at American International Group (AIG) for more than a decade, leading global Administration and Client Services, as well as leadership roles within its high-net-worth Private Client Group and client engagement functions. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at McKinsey & Company and Allstate.
“I am thrilled to join Hightower and build on the strength of its foundation,” said Stewart. “My focus will be on creating greater clarity, efficiency, and alignment across Hightower One, enabling advisors to spend more time with clients and grow their practices.”
As part of this transition, Gurinder Ahluwalia, who had stepped in as interim president, will continue to be an advisor to the company and remain a member of Hightower’s Board of Directors.
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.