Chicago-based Hightower on Monday announced the appointment of Bob Lavigne as Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for Hightower Holdings, in charge of the firm’s enterprise-wide compliance program, regulatory strategy and risk governance for the firm’s community of advisors, it said.
“Bob Lavigne’s appointment represents a net addition to Hightower’s executive leadership team,” a company spokesperson told WSR.
Claire Gorman continues to serve as CCO of Hightower Advisors, while Lavigne will “oversee compliance across the broader Hightower Holdings platform,” the spokesperson said.
Lavigne arrives at Hightower with almost 30 years of senior compliance and regulatory leadership experience in wealth management, including the design of scalable compliance programs, implementation of technology-driven oversight tools and partnering with advisors to support transparency and “fiduciary excellence,” according to Hightower. His background includes RIA, broker-dealer and hybrid firm oversight.
Lavigne will report to Larry Restieri, CEO of Hightower, the firm said.
“Bob is an accomplished leader whose experience, judgment and collaborative approach make him well suited for Hightower’s continued growth,” Restieri said in a news release. “His work helping advisors navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment aligns with our intention to modernize our compliance program.”
Before joining Hightower, Lavigne served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Edelman Financial Engines since April 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I am excited to join Hightower during a period of continued momentum and growth for the firm,” Lavigne said. “The advisor-centric culture and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with me. I look forward to working with teams across the organization to strengthen our compliance program and help advisors deliver quality client outcomes.”
Hightower in October announced the launch of Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW), its first national direct-to-consumer advisory practice, designed as a new advisor channel.
Last week, Hightower announced the expansion of the HTSW brand with the addition of five advisory practices: Fairport Wealth; Hightower Wealth Advisors | St. Louis; HT|TC Wealth Partners; RDM Financial Group; and The Rikoon Group.
Hightower said it is affiliated with advisory practices in 33 states and the District of Columbia. As of Sept. 30, Hightower and its affiliates had about $350.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), it said.
Jeff Berman, Contributing Editor and Reporter at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at jeff.berman@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
