Mercer Global Advisors, a national Registered Investment Adviser, has appointed Jimmy Zhao as Chief Corporate Development Officer to lead corporate development efforts and strategic partnerships as the firm continues to scale its national platform.
The newly created role builds on Mercer Advisors’ RIA M&A Partner Development approach, which has led to the integration of 116 partnerships over the last decade, including 18 partnerships closed in 2025 alone. Zhao joins from McKinsey & Company, where he was a partner leading the firm’s North American wealth management and retirement practices and advised on more than 50 transactions and strategic growth initiatives totaling over $100 billion in enterprise value. He will report to CEO Dave Welling, serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, and partner with the board of directors and the firm’s capital partners on long-term growth strategy. The M&A Partner Development team, led by Executive Managing Partners Martine Lellis and Ted Motheral, will report into Zhao.
KEY QUOTES:
Jimmy brings a distinct combination of wealth management industry expertise, strategic insight, transaction expertise, and operational discipline that aligns directly with our next phase of growth. Jimmy’s experience advising and working with RIAs, asset managers and private equity sponsors on large-scale transactions and growth transformations will be instrumental as we continue to scale our impact and expand our partnership model.
Dave Welling, CEO, Mercer Advisors
Mercer Advisors is distinguished by its ability to bring together high-quality firms and teams and distinctive capabilities under an integrated model. The firm’s commitment to a fiduciary-first approach, combined with its technology and collaborative culture, creates a strong foundation for continued success.
Jimmy Zhao, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Mercer Advisors
