News Summary
Sequoia Financial Group announces the promotion of Annie McCauley to president effective January 1, 2026. McCauley, a 23-year veteran, will oversee daily operations and strategic execution. This move is part of the firm’s strategy to double its size in the upcoming years. CEO Tom Haught will continue as chairman while delegating duties to McCauley. Executive team changes also include Joe Glick expanding roles and Chris Thom shifting to chief growth officer. Sequoia aims to grow through mergers and acquisitions, enhancing operational efficiency and client services.
Cleveland, OH – Sequoia Financial Group has announced the promotion of Annie McCauley to the position of president, effective January 1, 2026. McCauley, a veteran of the company with 23 years of service, previously held the role of chief client experience officer. In her new capacity, she will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic execution, and team development, succeeding Tom Haught, who will retain his positions as chairman and CEO.
This leadership change comes as part of Sequoia’s strategic plan to double its size in the coming years. As of September 30, 2025, the firm reported approximately $29.9 billion in assets under management (AUM) and employed 296 individuals, as noted in an August 19 public filing. Haught highlighted that by delegating some of his responsibilities to McCauley, he will be able to concentrate more on the firm’s long-term growth strategy.
In addition to McCauley’s promotion, Sequoia Financial also revealed changes in its executive team. Joe Glick will expand his duties to include investment research along with his existing roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Meanwhile, Chris Thom is set to transition to chief growth officer, reflecting his new responsibilities related to integrated wealth services. Among the other leaders in Sequoia’s executive team are Gee Smith, head of Sequoia Sentinel Family Office; Justin Stets, head of integrated wealth services; and Kevin Tichnell, chief acquisitions officer.
McCauley’s journey with Sequoia began back in 1999 when she joined the firm as an intern. She became a financial advisor in 2002 and has advanced through various positions to reach her current role. Haught characterized the changes in leadership as a “milestone” for the firm, pointing out the significant growth Sequoia has experienced recently. The new organizational structure is aimed at fostering a more durable and efficient business model.
Sequoia Financial is determined to grow through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), positioning itself as a proactive participant in the registered investment advisor (RIA) M&A market. The firm expresses optimism about its potential future deals. Sequoia is supported by investments from Valeas Capital Partners and Kudu Investment Management.
Recognized as one of the top RIA firms in the United States for the seventh consecutive year in 2025 by Barron’s, Sequoia Financial serves over 11,500 client households across the wealth continuum. The firm, established in 1991, specializes in a range of wealth management services that include investment management, tax management, retirement and estate planning, insurance counsel, and charitable planning.
This restructuring in leadership not only reflects Sequoia’s commitment to internal talent development but also underlines its ambition to adapt strategically to expanding market opportunities. As the firm sets its sights on future growth, it remains focused on enhancing its operational efficiency while continuing to deliver quality services to its clients.
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- Crain’s Cleveland Business
- Barron’s
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: Sequoia Financial Group
- Wikipedia: Registered Investment Advisor
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