Paul Bode to Lead Franklin Street Partners in 2027
Chapel Hill wealth management firm appoints new president to oversee operations starting January 1.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in People
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Franklin Street Partners has named Paul Bode as its new president effective January 1, 2027. He will serve as the third president in the history of the Chapel Hill-based firm.
Why it matters
The leadership change allows current leader Bob Newell to focus his time on serving a select group of long-term clients. The firm chose Bode for his demonstrated integrity and commitment to client service.
Franklin Street Partners manages over $4.7 billion in assets across its 40-person team. The firm reports a 100% retention rate among client-facing advisors over the past decade.
The players
Paul Bode
He is an incoming executive who previously served as the Chief Investment Officer at Safe Harbor Family Capital.
Bob Newell
He is a long-standing firm leader who joined Franklin Street Partners in 2009 and will move into an advisory role.
Franklin Street Partners
This is a Chapel Hill-based wealth management firm that oversees more than $4.7 billion in client assets.
The details
Paul Bode joins the leadership team following his previous role as Chief Investment Officer at Safe Harbor Family Capital. Bob Newell, who joined the firm in 2009, will remain in a full-time capacity as an advisor.
Timeline
Bob Newell joined Franklin Street Partners in 2009.
Assets under management reached over $4.7 billion by September 1, 2026.
Paul Bode begins his term as firm president on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition marks only the third time in its 36-year operational history that the firm has changed its top executive. The move signals a continuity-focused strategy designed to maintain its 100% advisor retention rate.
Clients of Franklin Street Partners can expect ongoing consistency as the firm maintains its current advisory team and operational structure. The change in executive leadership will not impact the firm's management of its $4.7 billion in assets.
The takeaway
Companies prioritizing internal promotions and long-term advisor retention often foster greater stability for their client bases. Succession planning at this level demonstrates a clear strategy for managing institutional knowledge during leadership shifts.
What happens next
Paul Bode will officially assume his new duties as president of the firm on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business North Carolina.
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