Wealth tech solutions firm Orion Advisor Solutions has named Natalie Wolfsen, the outgoing CEO of AssetMark, as its new CEO after a search that included up to 30 different candidates.
“Natalie really shined,” said Charles Goldman, who led the search and is executive chair of the company's board. “She brings deep experience in wealth tech and TAMP and she brings a strong set of values and a strong set of client-first and employee-first culture and delivers great results.”
She will officially assume her new role on Oct. 16.
Wolfsen is currently serving as the CEO of AssetMark, which is a TAMP and technology solutions provider based in Concord, Calif. Before her time at AssetMark, she held positions in digital and investment platform development, investment solution management, strategy and marketing at First Eagle Investment Management, Pershing, Charles Schwab and American Express, according to Orion.
It was her unique combination of knowledge and experience that made her stand out as a candidate for Omaha, Neb.-based Orion, according to Goldman.
“Not many had experience in both tech and TAMP or asset management … like Natalie does,” he said. “She is deeply experienced in building technologies in the space from custody to advisor-facing technology to investor-facing technology.”
The firm does not have any specific expectations or direction for its new CEO, however the board is expecting her to ensure that whatever direction she takes the firm it is always with the clients at top of mind, according to Goldman.
“We expect the CEO to sit down with clients and employees and develop a roadmap together with our clients and our employees and articulate a vision for the future and we expect the CEO to execute that with the leadership team,” he said.
The need to bring Wolfsen in is due to the resignation of Orion’s founder and outgoing CEO, Eric Clarke, who will remain with the firm to help the transition before moving over to Orion’s Board of Directors, according to the firm.
Clarke expressed optimism for the new hire and said he will help her transition into her new role.
“Natalie shares our vision for empowering financial advisors so they can serve their clients more effectively,” Clarke said in a statement. “She has my full support and I’m committed to managing a smooth transition for our clients and team members.”