Hightower Advisors has appointed veteran compliance executive Bob Lavigne as Chief Compliance Officer for Hightower Holdings, tasking him with leading the firm’s enterprise-wide compliance program, regulatory strategy, and risk governance across its national network of advisory practices.
The Chicago-headquartered wealth management firm said Lavigne will oversee compliance and related risk management efforts across Hightower’s community of advisors, which spans 33 states and the District of Columbia. In the role, he will report to Hightower CEO Larry Restieri and work with teams across the organization as the firm continues to scale its platform and expand capabilities for affiliated advisory businesses.
Hightower positioned the hire as part of a broader effort to modernize and strengthen its compliance infrastructure in response to a regulatory environment that has become more complex for registered investment advisers and multi-channel advisory organizations. Lavigne’s mandate includes building scalable programs that can support growth, enhancing oversight processes, and helping advisors meet fiduciary obligations and regulatory requirements while maintaining a consistent, firmwide approach to governance.
Lavigne brings nearly three decades of senior compliance and regulatory leadership in wealth management, with experience spanning registered investment adviser (RIA), broker-dealer, and hybrid firm oversight. Hightower said his background includes designing compliance programs intended to scale across distributed advisory organizations, implementing technology-enabled oversight tools, and partnering closely with advisors and business leaders to reinforce a culture focused on transparency, client-first standards, and day-to-day supervisory rigor.
Prior to joining Hightower, Lavigne served as vice president and chief compliance officer at Edelman Financial Engines. Hightower said his experience across different operating models gives him a broad view of supervisory frameworks and the practical challenges advisory firms face as they balance growth, client service, and regulatory expectations.
Restieri said Lavigne’s collaborative style and track record navigating regulatory change made him a strong fit as the firm continues to build out its national platform. Lavigne, in turn, pointed to Hightower’s advisor-centric operating model and said he plans to work across the organization to further strengthen compliance efforts and support advisors in delivering outcomes for clients.
As of September 30, 2025, Hightower and its affiliates reported approximately $350.3 billion in assets under management. The firm provides investment management, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, families, and institutions, along with 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporate clients. Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser, and securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member.
KEY QUOTES:
“Bob is an accomplished leader whose experience, judgment and collaborative approach make him well suited for Hightower’s continued growth. His work helping advisors navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment aligns with our intention to modernize our compliance program.”
Larry Restieri, CEO, Hightower
“I am excited to join Hightower during a period of continued momentum and growth for the firm. The advisor-centric culture and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with me. I look forward to working with teams across the organization to strengthen our compliance program and help advisors deliver quality client outcomes.”
Bob Lavigne, Chief Compliance Officer, Hightower Holdings, LLC
