Ryan Parker has been named CEO of Edelman Financial Services, one of the nation’s largest independent financial planning and investment management firms based in Fairfax, Va., Edelman Financial announced Tuesday.
Parker will work with Ric Edelman, the firm’s founder and executive chairman, in establishing the firm’s strategic direction as it continues to expand nationally, Edelman Financial says. Parker will also lead the daily operations of the firm, which manages $16 billion for more than 30,000 individuals and families.
The addition of Parker to handle executive duties will free Edelman to work more with clients, focusing on financial education and advice.
A veteran executive with 18 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Parker most recently was managing director, investment and planning solutions at LPL Financial. In that role, he led the sales, marketing, product management and sponsor relations functions to support more than 14,000 independent advisors and 700 financial institutions. Prior to LPL, Parker worked at Russell Investments, Franklin Templeton Investments and Putnam Investments.
Edelman Financial, which now has 125 financial planners, has added 15 to the firm so far this year and plans to add 35 more. Parker will begin June 20.