Edelman Financial Services has promoted its chief financial officer to serve as the firm’s chief operating officer.

Rene Chaze, who has been with the company three years, will perform both roles during a transition period before vacating the CFO position, according to the company.

Before joining Edelman in 2011, Chaze was with Ernst & Young LLP for 20 years, including nine years as a partner.

He was hired after an eight-month search. The company considered 50 candidates, about a dozen of whom were interviewed, according to Edelman.

Ric Edelman, the firm’s founder, chairman and CEO, said that the firm is still engaged in a search for a CEO so he can focus on the firm’s strategic direction and its clients.