Kestra Financial announced the continued expansion of its business development team with the addition of Austen Karr and the promotion of Jack Roller. Both will serve as Business Development Consultants, extending the firm’s recruiting coverage across the Western U.S.
The appointments support Kestra’s advisor-focused growth strategy across Kestra Financial and its breakaway-advisor channel, Kestra Private Wealth Services. Kestra said the additions build on its disciplined approach to expanding its national recruiting footprint.
Karr joins Kestra from Raymond James, where he served as Vice President for nearly 11 years. He will cover Southern California, Colorado, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Karr brings more than 15 years of financial services experience across business development, recruiting, and distribution roles. Earlier in his career, he held positions at LPL Financial and MetLife and has consistently ranked among top-performing recruiters.
Roller’s promotion reflects Kestra’s focus on developing talent internally. He joined the firm in 2022 as a Financial Planning Analyst and has since advanced through several business development roles.
Most recently, Roller served as Senior Business Development Consultant. In his new role as Vice President, Business Development, he will lead recruiting across Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska.
With coverage now spanning the Western U.S. and Pacific Northwest, the appointments further round out Kestra’s national recruiting footprint. The firm recently expanded its business development coverage across the Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.
Kestra Financial is an independent wealth management platform headquartered in Austin, Texas. The firm supports independent financial professionals and wealth management firms with personalized support, integrated business management technology, and access to a collaborative advisor community.
KEY QUOTES:
“As the quality and scale of our advisor community accelerates, we are equally focused on expanding the team that supports that growth. Austen brings deep recruiting experience and strong advisor relationships across the West, and Jack’s promotion reflects exactly the kind of talent and commitment we’re proud to develop and promote from within. Together, they strengthen our ability to thoughtfully align advisors with a platform built for long-term partnership and success.”
James Collins, EVP and Head of Business Development at Kestra Financial
