Raymond James Financial has appointed Kirk Bell as president of its Financial Services Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1, marking a key leadership transition within the firm’s private client group.
Bell, who currently serves as division director, will take on the new role while also joining both the firm’s Senior Leadership Team and the Private Client Group Executive Leadership Team. In this position, he will be responsible for strengthening advisor partnerships and supporting continued growth across the independent channel.
The appointment follows nearly 26 years of tenure at Raymond James for Bell, during which he has worked closely with independent advisors and helped shape the firm’s approach to supporting their businesses.
Bell succeeds Shannon Reid, who resigned in December after nearly two decades with the firm to pursue another opportunity. Meanwhile, David Sisemore, who has been serving as interim president of Raymond James Financial Services, will return to his divisional leadership role through the end of the fiscal year before transitioning into a consulting role ahead of his planned retirement in December.
Raymond James said the leadership change reflects its focus on continuity and long-term growth in its independent advisor business, a segment that remains highly competitive across the broader wealth management industry.
The company provides a range of financial services including private client advisory, capital markets, asset management, and banking, and reports total client assets of approximately $1.80 trillion.
KEY QUOTES
“Over his nearly 26 years with the firm, Kirk has embodied Raymond James’ culture and values and consistently led from a people-first approach. He has spent decades helping advisors achieve their goals with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that define the independent advisor experience, and I’m confident that under his leadership the business will continue to excel.”
Tash Elwyn, President Of The Private Client Group At Raymond James
“Supporting and providing guidance to independent advisors has long been a passion of mine, and I’m honored to be selected as president of ICD. I look forward to drawing on decades of experience and best practices as I meet advisors and their staff across the country, partner with the firm’s strong leadership teams and work with ICD associates to build on our momentum and continue to be the destination of choice for financial advisors.”
Kirk Bell, Incoming President Of The Independent Contractor Division At Raymond James Financial
