Hightower Advisors today announced a series of leadership appointments designed to strengthen connectivity across the firm and enhance the experience delivered to advisors and clients.

Marco De Freitas has been named President of Hightower Advisors, reporting to CEO Larry Restieri. In his new role, De Freitas will oversee Hightower’s operations, technology, enterprise AI strategy and investment platform, bringing these functions together to create a more connected experience for advisors and clients. He will officially join the firm in mid-Q4 2026.

De Freitas will join Hightower from Vanguard, where he held senior leadership roles spanning client experience, digital transformation and technology. Prior to Vanguard, he spent 10 years at TD Ameritrade, where he led digital, client experience, investment products and advice. Earlier in his career, De Freitas spent eight years at McKinsey & Company advising organizations on strategy and transformation. At Hightower, he will focus on simplifying how advisors access and leverage the firm’s resources while driving greater coordination across technology, investments and operations.

“Marco brings deep operating, technology and transformation experience at an important point in Hightower’s growth,” said Larry Restieri, CEO of Hightower. “As we continue to scale, we have an opportunity to better connect the resources across our firm and make it easier for advisors to bring the full breadth of our capabilities to clients. Marco’s leadership will be critical as we build a more integrated, forward-looking organization.”

“Technology and AI present significant opportunities to streamline how we operate and elevate the experience we deliver to advisors and clients,” said De Freitas. “Hightower has tremendous momentum and a differentiated set of resources. I look forward to working with Larry and the broader leadership team to build on that foundation and support the firm’s continued evolution.”

Hightower also announced leadership appointments across Hightower Signature Wealth (“HTSW”), its national, integrated direct-to-consumer practice, as the business approaches its first anniversary with more than $40 billion in assets under management*.

Jennifer Frazier has been named President of Hightower Signature Wealth, leading the business’s strategy and expansion. Mike Hirsbrunner has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Hightower Signature Wealth, overseeing operations and integration, while Penny Phillips, Head of Advisor Growth for Hightower Signature Wealth, will focus on accelerating organic growth and enhancing the advisor and client experience.

“In less than a year, HTSW has grown to manage more than $40 billion in assets*, reflecting the strength of the business and the opportunity ahead,” said Restieri. “Jenn, Mike and Penny bring complementary leadership across strategy, operations and growth that will be instrumental as we continue to scale the practice and deliver the deeply personalized client experience that defines Hightower.”

The appointments reflect Hightower’s continued investment in the leadership and infrastructure needed to support advisors, serve increasingly complex clients and position the firm for continued growth.

*As of 6/30/26

About Hightower

Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, families and institutions, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Through its community of advisor businesses, Hightower offers sophisticated planning solutions and a robust platform designed to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices nationwide, Hightower serves as a growth partner to independent-minded advisors seeking to scale their practices, elevate the client experience and access the benefits of a national brand. Learn more about Hightower’s collaborative business model at www.hightoweradvisors.com.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire