Hightower Hires Former BlackRock Executive to Help Scale Operations

Core Insights - Hightower Advisors has appointed Patrick Dunne as managing director and head of operations and services to enhance connectivity between advisors and the home office [1][2][3] - The firm is undergoing leadership changes with Larry Restieri as the new CEO, aiming to implement operational improvements and a centralized investment management platform for its advisors [5][6][7] Group 1 - Hightower Advisors, based in Chicago, manages $326 billion in client assets and is focused on improving operational excellence [1][3] - Patrick Dunne previously held leadership roles at BlackRock and founded BlueGranite, bringing significant experience to Hightower [2][3] - Dunne will join Hightower with an equity stake, indicating a commitment to the firm's growth [3] Group 2 - Larry Restieri, the new CEO, is making strategic changes since his appointment in February, including hiring Randy Bullard to lead a centralized investment management platform [5][6] - The new platform aims to provide Hightower's approximately 660 advisors with institutional research and investment counsel, enhancing the client experience [6][7] - Hightower plans to introduce more advancements for advisors in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of advisor choice in adopting new platforms [7][8]