Evolve Private Wealth, an independent wealth management firm serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, announced it has appointed Brett Cohen as Managing Partner, strengthening its leadership team as the firm continues its national expansion.
Cohen joins Evolve from Morgan Stanley, where he built one of the firm’s fastest-growing next-generation advisory practices and oversaw approximately $800 million in client assets as of January 2026. With his addition, Los Angeles-based Evolve now manages more than $2.5 billion in assets and has grown to 22 employees, with additional hires planned in 2026.
The appointment also expands Evolve’s national footprint. With offices on both coasts, the firm now operates as a bicoastal platform supporting clients across major U.S. markets. Cohen will lead the continued buildout and day-to-day operations of the firm’s New York office while collaborating with fellow managing partners on overall leadership and strategy.
Cohen’s move reflects a broader industry shift, as advisors increasingly align earlier in their careers with independent firms designed for long-term flexibility and growth. During nearly a decade at Morgan Stanley, he developed a reputation advising private business owners and multigenerational families nationwide. His practice emphasizes an integrated, outsourced family office model focused on tax-aware planning across complex family balance sheets.
Cohen primarily serves private business owners and multigenerational families, delivering comprehensive wealth management across investment strategy, tax planning, estate coordination and strategic business advisory. His approach centers on planning across the full family wealth profile rather than isolated portfolio construction.
Evolve Private Wealth was founded in 2022 by senior advisors who departed Wells Fargo to establish an employee-owned firm aligned exclusively with client interests. The firm completed its transition to full independence in January 2025 and has expanded through organic growth and selective partner additions.
Today, Evolve operates as a collaborative, multigenerational partnership focused on continuity, shared stewardship and long-term alignment, while continuing to invest in talent, technology and client experience.
KEY QUOTES
“Brett’s decision to join Evolve reflects the strength and flexibility of the platform we’ve built. Our partnership is intentionally multigenerational, combining deep experience with the perspective of emerging leaders. Brett’s leadership and client-first mindset fit naturally within that structure as we continue to grow.”
Jonathan Lewis, Managing Partner, Evolve Private Wealth
“At this stage of my career, the question wasn’t just scale, it was structure. I wanted a firm that could support sophisticated families through liquidity events, multigenerational planning and complex tax considerations without being constrained by a legacy platform. Evolve has built that environment deliberately, and it was clear this was the right place for my clients and me for the long term. There’s a real balance here with deep experience, real momentum and a shared commitment to building something enduring. That balance ultimately benefits clients, which is what matters most.”
Brett Cohen, Managing Partner, Evolve Private Wealth
