Kimmell is proud of the part she has played in promoting and supporting other women.
Christine Cisco, a new RBC branch director in Buffalo, N.Y., said she had considered moving up the ladder from advisor to director but had not done anything to make it a reality because the time never seemed right.
“We were in a group at the Women’s Association of Financial Advisors and Kristen asked us if we had ever considered being a branch director and she gave us a little push in that direction. I never would have done it without that little push from Kristen,” Cisco said. “Sometimes you need someone who believes in you more than you believe in yourself in order to make the move.”
In her new role, Kimmell will try to do the same for others. She will work with the firm’s global head of diversity and human resources to recruit and retain diverse talent in both the advisor and corporate ranks. She said will promote a diverse and inclusive advisor force and elevate the role of women within the wealth management industry.
Kimmell began her career in the financial services industry as a financial accountant with Marquette Bancshares, joining RBC Wealth Management in 1995. She has held numerous positions, including staff accountant, accounting supervisor and fixed-income accounting manager. In 2006, she was promoted to director of financial reporting and administration for RBC Capital Markets. Kimmell was named director of strategic finance in 2008, where she oversaw all financial aspects of private client group, including compensation. She became the chief of staff in 2010.
“Kristen’s out-of-the-box thinking and ability to bring together teams to accomplish goals have been proven time and time again throughout her career at RBC,” said Michael Armstrong, CEO of RBC Wealth Management—U.S.