Hightower Advisors Appointed Marco De Freitas President
The firm also named new leaders for its Signature Wealth division as it scales its business operations.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Hightower Advisors has appointed Marco De Freitas as its new president. He will report to chief executive Larry Restieri and officially begin his duties in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why it matters
This executive shuffle comes as the Chicago-based firm seeks to expand its operations and scale its internal infrastructure. The move coincides with a new partnership with fintech firm Dispatch to unify client data.
Signature Wealth currently manages more than $40 billion in assets. New leadership appointees include Jennifer Frazier, who brings 25 years of industry experience, and Marco De Freitas, who previously held a 10-year tenure at TD Ameritrade.
The players
Marco De Freitas
He is the incoming president of Hightower Advisors who previously spent 10 years at TD Ameritrade and 8 years at McKinsey & Company.
Larry Restieri
He serves as the chief executive officer of the Chicago-based financial firm Hightower Advisors.
Jennifer Frazier
She is the new president of Hightower Signature Wealth and brings 25 years of industry experience, including a 13-year tenure at Fidelity.
Mike Hirsbrunner
He has been appointed as the new chief operating officer of Signature Wealth.
Penny Phillips
She serves as the head of advisor growth at Signature Wealth.
The details
In addition to the presidential appointment, Hightower named Jennifer Frazier as president of Signature Wealth, Mike Hirsbrunner as chief operating officer, and Penny Phillips as head of advisor growth. The firm is also prioritizing technology by partnering with the fintech firm Dispatch to streamline its client data management.
Timeline
June 30: Signature Wealth reached $40 billion in assets.
September 2026: Hightower partnered with the fintech firm Dispatch.
Q4 2026: Marco De Freitas starts his new role as president.
Market Landscape
This leadership update follows the broader trend of infrastructure scaling in the wealth management sector, mirroring the competitive shifts seen in recent large-scale industry acquisitions. These strategic appointments aim to solidify Hightower's market position against rising institutional rivals.
Clients at Signature Wealth can expect continued management of their assets as the firm integrates new technological solutions for data unification. The internal leadership changes are designed to support long-term operational efficiency for the firm's client base.
The takeaway
Hightower's focus on both executive talent and fintech integration highlights the importance of scalable infrastructure in managing $40 billion in assets. Investors should note that successful data unification often serves as a primary driver for operational growth in large wealth firms.
Further reading
For more context on industry leadership transitions, visit the People section.
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