Choreo, an independent wealth advisory firm, has appointed industry veteran Erik Merkau as chief wealth advisory officer, a move the firm said will support the continued expansion of its integrated platform that combines wealth planning with tax and other private client services.
In the newly created role, Merkau will report to Chief Executive Officer Jason Van de Loo and oversee advisor development and execution across Choreo’s national advisory organization. The firm said his mandate includes advancing its “advanced planning” capabilities, portfolio management solutions, practice management framework, and its broader integrated private client services platform—areas that have become increasingly central as clients face more complex estate, tax, and business transition decisions.
Merkau brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, and wealth management sectors. Before joining Choreo, he held senior roles at several large financial services firms, including Edelman Financial Engines, JPMorgan Chase, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, and Wells Fargo. Choreo said he has built and scaled advisory platforms and helped develop integrated planning approaches, with a focus on strengthening how advisory organizations deliver coordinated guidance to clients.
Van de Loo said the hire comes at an inflection point for Choreo as it evolves its advisory model for “builders,” a client segment the firm describes as closely held business owners and families who require more coordinated advice across disciplines. The firm said Merkau’s leadership experience running large advisory organizations will help elevate how advisors deliver integrated guidance across tax, estate planning, and business transition strategies.
Merkau said he was drawn to Choreo’s focus on operating at the intersection of tax strategy and wealth planning, positioning the firm as a platform for advisors seeking to provide more comprehensive, coordinated guidance supported by deeper planning resources.
Merkau holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois Chicago and is a CFA charterholder.
Choreo operates from more than 40 locations nationwide and serves more than 7,000 clients. The firm reported approximately $27.2 billion in assets under management and advisement as of December 2024. Choreo was originally launched more than 20 years ago as a subsidiary of a large CPA and professional services firm, and has since positioned itself as an independent RIA focused on combining wealth management with integrated planning and related client services.
KEY QUOTES:
“Erik joins Choreo at a pivotal time as we continue to evolve our advisor model to reflect the real-world complexity facing builders – closely held business owners and families who depend on thoughtful, integrated advice. His experience leading large advisory organizations positions him to help us raise the bar for how advisors serve builders and deliver coordinated guidance across tax, estate planning and business transition strategies.”
Jason Van de Loo, Chief Executive Officer, Choreo
“What attracted me to Choreo is its clear commitment to operating at the intersection of tax strategy and wealth planning. This is a platform built for advisors who want to deliver coordinated guidance across estate planning, tax management and business transition needs, supported by true advanced planning depth. That combination gives advisors a powerful way to serve families and help them navigate complex financial decisions with great confidence.”
Erik Merkau, Chief Wealth Advisory Officer, Choreo
