Kristen Kimmell, who is already known for bringing female advisors and branch managers to RBC Wealth Management – U.S., has been named head of advisor recruiting and field marketing at the financial services firm, RBC announced Thursday.
Kimmell is known for “out of the box thinking” to bring in women advisors and managers into the firm, RBC said. She helped spearhead efforts that resulted in the number of female advisors at RBC Wealth Management – U.S. growing by 23% in the last two years, and the number of women in branch director roles double in that time.
The effort was the largest increase in female hires in the firm’s history and is part of RBC’s continuing effort to bring more women into the firm, RBC said. Kimmell is one of few women to hold the top advisor recruiting role in the wealth management industry.
A nearly 25-year veteran of the firm, Kimmell has held a variety of roles in finance, capital markets and wealth management; including roles leading technology, credit strategy and business development. She also serves as the co-executive sponsor of RBC Wealth Management’s Women’s Association of Financial Advisors.
In her new role, Kimmell will look for talent to join the firm’s nearly 2,000 financial advisor base. She will be particularly committed to furthering the firm’s efforts to cultivate a diverse and inclusive advisor force and elevating the role of women within the wealth management industry, RBC said.
Kimmell has been the driving force behind several initiatives, including the “Your Path Can Lead to RBC” video series, which highlights women in advisory roles. As the co-executive sponsor of WAFA, she helps the group achieve its goals of recruiting and retaining female financial advisors and branch directors, along with enhancing advisor productivity, RBC said.
“As an industry, it’s our duty to create a supportive environment for professionals of all backgrounds, and in turn give our clients access to advice from diverse perspectives,” she said.
RBC Wealth Management has $384 billion in total client assets with more than 1,900 financial advisors operating in 170 locations in 42 states.