Chief marketing officers help advisors and RIAs to not only distinguish themselves but generate sustainable growth that aligns with their core values. They build brands, generate leads and help firms navigate the complexity of the wealth management industry.
CMOs must deeply understand the entrepreneurial mindset of advisors, helping them create compelling narratives that appeal to both new and existing clients. They also guide advisors to becoming industry thought leaders that clients and peers alike can trust and admire. In short, CMOs are the glue that integrates a company’s public image with its strategy, operations and M&A activities.
Our invitation-only CMO 5: Top Wealth Management CMOs honors these individuals, who craft strategies enabling firms to reach the proper audiences with messaging that resonates with key decision-makers. They are listed in alphabetical order. Please join us in congratulating them:
Nyle Bayer, CMO, Future Proof
Nyle Bayer is the CMO at Future Proof, where he has driven high levels of conference attendance, expanded digital reach and launched innovative campaigns. Under his leadership, Future Proof is on pace to facilitate over 80,000 one-on-one meetings this year through its signature Breakthru networking programs, achieving a 95% satisfaction score.
“As AI floods every feed, people are starting to question what’s real,” Bayer said. “That’s why events are becoming marketing’s most trusted tool. Face to face, there’s no filter. It’s where trust is built, stories land, and business moves. Being present has never mattered more. Events create the kind of connection people remember and return to.”
Bayer previously worked at Up Capital Management for 14 years, where he served as a financial advisor, research analyst, portfolio manager and strategic advisor. He is also a frequent speaker and panelist on topics such as digital marketing, advisor growth and the evolving landscape of wealth management.
Derek Janis, CMO, AcquireUp
Derek Janis is CMO at AcquireUp, which specializes in seminar marketing services and technology for financial professionals. He led the launch of AcquireUp’s brand and go-to-market strategies following the merger of White Glove and LeadJig. Janis crafts and implements data-driven marketing programs and strategic partnerships to drive business opportunities.
“Reaching qualified prospects requires a careful investment of time, expertise, and resources,” he said. “Partnering with third-party marketing firms de-risks these investments by providing specialized knowledge, advanced technology, and proven processes. For example, instead of mailing 10,000 seminar invites blindly, firms can use data-driven targeting to reach the top 1,000 most likely to act, saving money and improving conversion rates.”
Previously, Janis held marketing leadership roles at General Motors, where he oversaw launches of a car sharing service, an electric bike and an all-electric delivery van. Prior to that, he founded and successfully exited the publishing company Convert A Book.
Erica Rodrigues, Director, Advisory, Constellation Wealth Capital
Erica Rodrigues is Director, Advisory at Constellation Wealth Capital. She works with partner firms to support strategic growth initiatives, such as marketing strategy, brand development, client experience and market positioning. Her experience working with wealth management firms allows her to bring personal experience, best practices and a disciplined approach to growth to help each firm grow.
“Our advisory team at CWC works closely with partner firms to assess and elevate their organic growth strategies,” she said. “Through close collaboration, we help refine marketing, events, PR, and lead generation strategies ensuring they resonate with target audiences and drive sustainable and scalable growth.”
Rodrigues was previously Senior Vice President and Global Head of Events and Experiences for BNY’s Markets and Wealth Services division. She led the strategy and execution of over 200 annual events globally, including INSITE, FELABAN, AFP and the Elite Advisor Summit.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from Montclair State University.
Leann Stevens, CMO, VestGen Wealth Partners
Leann Stevens is the CMO at VestGen Wealth Partners, where she leads brand strategy, advisor marketing and enterprise growth initiatives. With two decades of experience in financial services marketing, she has helped advisors implement sustainable growth strategies that reflect their values and preserve generational wealth for their clients and families.
“Building a standout brand in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving wealth management industry requires adaptability, speed and precision,” Stevens said. “A CMO must truly understand the advisor mindset, translate strategic goals into a compelling story, and execute with quality and consistency across every channel. The best CMOs are cross-functional leaders who align marketing with M&A, recruiting and culture to help accelerate a firm’s strategic growth.”
Prior to VestGen, Stevens held top marketing positions at Tidal ETF Services, Hightower and William Blair. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY Fredonia and is a Japan Fulbright Scholar. Stevens is a thought leader on advisor branding, succession planning and marketing leadership.
Valerie Zemmel, Global Head Of Marketing, Berkshire Global Advisors
Valerie Zemmel is Global Head of Marketing at Berkshire Global Advisors, where she oversees marketing strategy, digital marketing, brand management, lead generation, public relations, marketing technology integration and project management.
“Marketing and building brands in the wealth management industry can be a tall task, thanks to how saturated the landscape has become in recent years,” Zemmel said. “But not every firm can deliver what Berkshire Global Advisors brings to the table. The quality of our people, the depth of our thought leadership and expertise, along with the firm’s overall commitment to being authentic and staying true to its core strengths make my job much easier.”
Before joining Berkshire, Zemmel worked in retail marketing, leading branding and marketing strategy for Fortune 500 companies and brands, including Macy’s, Iconix, Goodfair and VCNY Home.
Zemmel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and French Studies from Cornell University. She served as an English teacher for Teach for America in her home state of Louisiana. Zemmel is an advocate for breast cancer awareness, having raised money and volunteered for PinkAid, Susan G. Komen, BCRF and Avon 39.
Janeesa Hollingshead, Contributing Editor at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at editor@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
