Baker Street Advisors, a San Francisco-based SEC-registered investment advisor with $20 billion in client assets under advisement, has appointed Christopher Wilkens, CFA, to the newly created role of chief executive officer and named Peter Hand, the firm’s chief investment officer, as partner, effective immediately. The wealth management firm’s partnership now includes 11 executives.
Wilkens has been a partner at Baker Street since 2007 and most recently served as chair of the firm’s executive committee. As CEO, he will focus on building on the firm’s more than 20-year track record of delivering objective investment advice to more than 500 families and endowments.
He brings 19 years of experience serving clients at Baker Street and previously co-founded and co-managed VERITY Wealth Advisors. Earlier in his career, Wilkens spent a decade as an institutional derivatives salesperson and held sales roles at Merrill Lynch, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs.
Hand joined Baker Street in 2024 as CIO and oversees all aspects of investment management, including portfolio construction, risk management, and investment communications. He previously held senior leadership roles at Aperio Group and Barclays Global Investors, both of which are now part of BlackRock.
Baker Street Advisors manages over $20 billion in assets under advisory for families, foundations, and institutions and describes itself as the largest single-office wealth manager in the United States. The firm provides customized wealth management and investment strategies focused on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and tax efficiency.
KEY QUOTES
“I am delighted to step into this new position and lead the next phase of Baker Street’s growth, while staying true to our core approach: following a disciplined, transparent investment process that aims to maximize our clients’ after-tax returns. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what you earn, it’s about what you keep. With over 100 years of collective experience, we know when to apply complexity, and when to keep things simple.”
Christopher Wilkens, Chief Executive Officer, Baker Street Advisors
“I have had the pleasure of working with Chris for nearly two decades, and I know Baker Street is in excellent hands with him at the helm and Pete joining our partnership. Both are dependable, effective leaders who will help steer our firm successfully into the future.”
Wendy Umphrey, Partner, Baker Street Advisors
“Under Chris and Pete’s leadership, Baker Street is poised to enter our next chapter while maintaining our longstanding commitment to client and team success. They share in the understanding that ongoing investment in technology and innovation will help us continue to deliver clarity and discipline in managing the complex investment needs of our clients.”
Jim Milligan, Partner And Member Of The Executive Committee, Baker Street Advisors
