Focus Financial Partners said it has named Adam Birenbaum as its incoming chief executive officer as part of a succession strategy that will also move current CEO Michael Nathanson into the role of chairman. The company said Birenbaum will become CEO and a member of Focus’s board of directors effective February 1, 2026, while Nathanson will continue to serve on the board as he transitions to chairman.
The leadership change follows a succession plan that Focus said Nathanson designed in consultation with the board as part of the company’s long-term growth and leadership strategy. Focus described itself as a fiduciary advice company that comprises independent wealth management, multi-family office, and business management services.
Birenbaum currently serves as president, a role he assumed in April 2025, and also serves as CEO of Focus Partners Wealth. In the CEO role, Focus said he will lead execution of the company’s strategic priorities, including efforts to foster collaboration and consolidation across the Focus partnership to expand capabilities and services. The company said its firms collectively manage more than $520 billion in client assets, which it said positions Focus to deliver scale and specialization across its platform.
Focus highlighted Birenbaum’s background as a wealth management executive with experience scaling advisory businesses through organic and acquisition-driven growth. The company said he began his career at a small St. Louis-based registered investment adviser later renamed Buckingham Strategic Wealth, which managed or administered less than $1 billion in assets at the time. Focus said Birenbaum assumed leadership of the firm at age 31 and led its growth to nearly $75 billion in assets, building it into a prominent RIA.
Focus also cited recognition Birenbaum has received in the industry, including being named among Financial Advisor magazine’s “10 Young Advisors to Watch,” being named Business Person of the Year by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, receiving multiple “40 Under 40” awards, and being named “The Most Influential Figure in the RIA Industry” by RIABiz. Focus said Birenbaum is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Saint Louis University School of Law.
Nathanson said the transition reflects the company’s view that Focus has established a strong foundation and clear strategy for its next phase. Dan Glaser, executive chairman of Focus and an operating partner of Focus’s majority investment partner, CD&R, said the move follows a long-envisioned succession plan and credited Nathanson with shaping Focus’s evolution and strategic direction.
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“It has been my privilege to lead and guide Focus through the most recent phase of its evolution. Now that a strong foundation and clear strategy is in place, after consideration with the Board, we determined that Adam is uniquely positioned to lead the organization through the next phase of its growth. Adam is a greatly admired and highly respected leader with an impeccable track record of building and leading key strategic initiatives at Focus. His unique skillset, combined with his strong character and commitment, will serve Focus well in the years ahead,” said Mr. Nathanson. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO, and I look forward to supporting this transition and continuing to contribute to our mission in my new role as Chairman.”
Michael Nathanson, Outgoing CEO and Incoming Chairman, Focus Financial Partners
“This transition executes on the thoughtful succession plan we have long envisioned. Adam has been a key partner in advancing our strategic priorities, and he is the right leader to build on the foundation Michael set.” said Dan Glaser, Executive Chairman of Focus and Operating Partner of Focus’s majority investment partner, CD&R. “Michael’s leadership has been central to shaping the evolution of Focus. His vision, determination, and ability to bring people together laid the foundation for our long-term strategic direction. The momentum we’ve achieved and the opportunities ahead reflect the strength of the organization he has led.”
Dan Glaser, Executive Chairman, Focus Financial Partners, and Operating Partner, CD&R
