Focus Financial Partners: Michael Nathanson Named As CEO

By Amit Chowdhry • May 2, 2024

Focus Financial Partners, a leading partnership of fiduciary wealth management and related financial services firms, announced that Michael Nathanson (President of Focus) has been appointed the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Dan Glaser, Chairman of Focus’ Board of Directors and Operating Partner at Focus’ majority investment partner, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) – who had been serving as Interim CEO – has been named Executive Chairman.

These leadership appointments represent an important pillar of Focus’ continued evolution as a firm. And they underscore Focus’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions for clients and advisors while unlocking strategic growth opportunities for the firm.

In his new role, Nathanson, a highly respected and experienced strategic leader in the wealth management industry, will continue his long track record of building strong, growth-oriented organizations that operate at the forefront of the fiduciary wealth management segment. And as Focus’ CEO, he will lead the design and execution of the firm’s ongoing strategic priorities, including fostering greater collaboration across the Focus partnership to facilitate the development of best-in-class capabilities and services. Nathanson also remains CEO of The Colony Group, one of Focus’ largest operating businesses.

In his role as Executive Chairman, Glaser will remain involved in Focus’s business and set its strategic direction. His 40+ years of financial services experience and proven history of operational excellence, including as CEO of Marsh McLennan, allow him to provide highly valued guidance to both the Board and Mr. Nathanson, building on the firm’s momentum and further enhancing capabilities across the Focus partnership.

With these new appointments, Focus strengthens its reputation as a global leader in wealth management and related financial services as well as its ability to better serve clients’ and advisors’ complex needs.

KEY QUOTES:

“Michael is an exceptional leader in our industry, having grown The Colony Group into one of the largest and best-known firms in the independent space. His promotion to CEO adds immense value to Focus’ leadership team. Michael has been instrumental in executing our evolved strategy, delivering strong momentum on Focus’ hub expansion, setting our go-forward strategic vision, and identifying opportunities for collaboration across our business.”

  Dan Glaser

“It’s been an honor serving as President of Focus and having the opportunity to work alongside Dan to build upon the momentum that he and so many others have created for our firm, our advisors, and our clients. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done together. We’ve made substantial progress already, and I look forward to continuing the work necessary to further evolve Focus into the unequivocal industry leader in the fiduciary-advice space.”

  Michael Nathanson