Dakota Wealth Management Promotes Key Executives, Fueling Next Stage of Growth
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dakota Wealth Management, an independent investment management firm serving high net worth individuals and families, announces three significant promotions for roles of President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Investment Officer.
With 40 years of experience building successful RIAs, including three exceeding $1 billion in AUM, Peter Raimondi, Founder and CEO has prepared Dakota Wealth Management for the future. "I'm incredibly proud to say that Dakota Wealth Management represents the finest group of talent I have worked with. Elevating Bryan, Leslie and Tim will help power Dakota's sustainability, growth, and exceptional culture for many years to come."
Bryan Keller has been elevated from Chief Strategic Officer to President of Dakota Wealth Management. He first met Raimondi through an acquisition over 15 years ago and joined his personal investment team in Palm Beach Gardens shortly afterward. He has grown his collaboration with Raimondi by assisting him in merger and acquisition analysis and due diligence since 2013. When Peter founded Dakota, Keller played a crucial role in its initial launch, which included two acquisitions within the first month. For the past seven years, he has led Dakota's M&A initiatives and established Dakota's Integration Team, essential for evaluating acquisition targets and overseeing their seamless integration into Dakota. As President, Keller will now add to his role by concentrating on advisor development and growth, and executing on the firm's strategic initiatives. Raimondi remarked, "Bryan had worked at my side for the last fifteen years through several professional transitions from the meteoric growth at Banyan Partners, its ultimate sale and integration into Boston Private Financial Holdings, and helping me build Dakota as a 'true start-up' RIA since 2018. His growth as a professional is evidenced by his exceptional communication skills and empathy and I look forward to his continued leadership."
Leslie Arsenault Metz (JD, MBA) now adds Chief Operating Officer to her existing role as General Counsel. With her extensive background in both law and business management, Leslie is well-equipped to take on this dual role. Her appointment as COO is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the operational strategies of the company. Known for her strategic vision and commitment to excellence, Leslie has already made significant contributions as General Counsel, where she streamlined legal processes and enhanced compliance frameworks. In her new capacity, she aims to foster innovation, improve efficiencies, and drive sustainable growth across all departments. Raimondi shared the following regarding Metz's promotion: "Leslie has consistently demonstrated a high degree of collaborative leadership and the ability to inspire people to achieve their best. I remain enthusiastic about the impact she will undoubtedly have on Dakota for years to come."
Tim Melly (CFA®) has been promoted from Director of Investment Solutions to Chief Investment Officer at Dakota. Since joining the company in 2021 through an acquisition, Melly has showcased his investment acumen by creating innovative solutions and tools for investment clients. Tim oversees a talented team of portfolio managers and research analysts. He and his team anticipate their launch of Dakota's first internally created ETF later this year.
This strengthened executive team will now guide Dakota through several key strategic initiatives. These include:
- Further mergers and acquisitions (M&A) growth.
- Implementation of additional organic growth strategies.
- Launch of "Dakota U," a comprehensive advisor training and education program.
- Expansion of trust services.
- Growth of tax and estate planning offerings.
- Development of executive planning capabilities.
- Expansion of investment offerings and capabilities.
- Enhancement of advisor succession and continuity planning.
Following fifteen transactions since its inception in 2018, Dakota Wealth Management spent 2024 integrating these additions, fostering a unified company culture. The firm's impressive growth trajectory is evident in its AUM increase from $3.5 billion to $6 billion in just six months of 2023, fueled by $2.5 billion in acquisitions. The acquisitions made in 2023 have demonstrated strong organic growth, averaging 10% in 2024.
This expansion also resulted in a significant increase in employees, from 55 to 80. Notably, 90% of Dakota's employees hold equity in the company, reflecting a strong commitment to shared success.
With these promotions and growth initiative announcements, Dakota's long-term foundation has been reinforced with next-generation leadership, and substantial capital backing all contribute to its promising future.
Dakota Wealth Management is an independent investment management, wealth and estate planning, and full-service tax planning firm serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens and founded by RIA industry veteran Peter Raimondi, Dakota elevates wealth management to an art with thoughtfully designed investment portfolios and personalized wealth management services. Dakota also provides a full suite of financial planning, estate and tax services for selected clients. For more information, visit www.dakotawm.com.
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SOURCE Dakota Wealth Management