Cresset announced that Susie Cranston, currently president of the firm, will assume the role of chief executive officer effective April 15, 2026. As part of the leadership transition, co-founders Avy Stein and Eric Becker will step down from their co-CEO roles and continue as executive co-chairmen, remaining actively involved in guiding the firm’s culture, client relationships, investment platform, growth initiatives, mergers and acquisitions strategy, recruiting, and governance.
The Chicago-based multi-family office said the leadership shift reflects a deliberate evolution of its structure, aligning Cranston’s title with the responsibilities she has been carrying while reinforcing the firm’s long-term succession planning. Cranston, who joined Cresset in April 2024 as president, has overseen the firm’s day-to-day operations alongside Stein, Becker, and the executive leadership team. As part of the transition, she will also join Cresset’s board of directors.
During Cranston’s tenure as president, the firm said it has continued to strengthen its platform and organizational culture while expanding capabilities through acquisitions and investments in talent and operational infrastructure. The company emphasized that the leadership transition is designed to ensure continuity as it advances its long-term vision of serving families with complex financial needs across generations.
Before joining Cresset, Cranston held senior leadership roles at First Republic Bank and JPMorgan Chase. Earlier in her career, she also worked at McKinsey & Company. The firm highlighted her background in advising clients through complex financial situations and her leadership experience in wealth management institutions.
Cresset described the transition as part of its broader commitment to long-term stewardship and continuity. With Stein and Becker continuing as executive co-chairmen and Cranston stepping into the CEO role, the firm said the leadership structure supports sustained growth and alignment with the families and entrepreneurs it serves.
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“When Eric and I founded Cresset, our goal was to build a firm designed to serve families with care, alignment, and integrity for generations. Susie embodies those principles and leads with clarity, sound judgment, and deep respect for the trust families place in our firm. Formalizing her role as CEO reflects the leadership she has already been demonstrating and positions Cresset well for the future.”
Avy Stein, Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chairman, Cresset
“Susie has played a central role in strengthening Cresset’s culture, supporting our Advisors, and reinforcing a client-first approach across the firm. She brings both discipline and empathy to her leadership, and we are confident in the path forward with her as CEO.”
Eric Becker, Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chairman, Cresset
“Cresset is a remarkable firm, entrepreneurial at its core and grounded in stewardship. I feel deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to continue working alongside Avy, Eric, and our extraordinary team as we serve clients and build a firm designed to endure for generations.”
Susie Cranston, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Cresset
