Summitry Appoints Alex Katz and Conor Wilkes as Co-CEOs

Colin Higgins has transitioned into an Executive Chairman role after 22 years of leadership

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Summitry, a Bay Area RIA that provides personalized financial planning and investment strategies that are rooted in local insight, has appointed Summitry President Alex Katz and Chief Operating Officer Conor Wilkes to the roles of Co-CEOs. They succeed Colin Higgins, who after 22 years of leadership is transitioning into the role of Executive Chairman. Higgins will continue to provide strategic guidance and cultural leadership as the firm continues to grow. He will also work closely with Summitry’s parent company, Aspen Standard Wealth, on areas of strategic importance, including supporting new RIA partnerships, identifying and nurturing advisor talent, and the expansion of AI-enabled service capabilities.

“It is difficult to overstate Colin’s impact on our firm. Over more than two decades, he helped build Summitry into what it is today: a firm grounded in care, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping clients live their best Bay Area lives. While his role is evolving, his perspective, values, and influence will remain a meaningful part of our future,” said Katz and Wilkes.

As Co-CEO, Katz will focus on identifying and servicing new clients, leading investment and financial planning offerings, and continuous growth strategies. Wilkes will focus on operations to help ensure the firm consistently delivers a top-tier client experience.

"It's an incredible privilege to step into this role alongside Conor and build on the foundation Colin has created over the last 22 years. Summitry has always been defined by exceptional relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we serve. As we look ahead, we'll continue investing in the talent, capabilities, and advice that help our clients navigate life's most important financial decisions with confidence, while preserving the personalized experience that has always set Summitry apart," said Katz.

"Summitry's success has always come from pairing thoughtful advice with an outstanding client experience, and I'm excited to help lead our next chapter. As we continue to grow, we'll remain focused on strengthening the systems, technology, and operational excellence that allow our advisors to spend more time doing what they do best … serving clients. Together, Alex and I are committed to honoring the culture Colin built while positioning Summitry for sustainable, long-term success," added Wilkes.

Founded in 2003, Summitry manages approximately $4 billion in assets and provides personalized financial planning and investment strategies rooted in local insights. The firm offers access to a wide range of institutional-grade investing and advisory services, including in-depth financial planning, retirement planning, estate and trust services, and equity compensation advice.

"Colin has built an exceptional firm with a culture that prioritizes clients, collaboration, and long-term stewardship, and we're grateful that he'll continue to play an important strategic role for both Summitry and Aspen," said Aly Kassim-Lakha, CEO of Aspen Standard Wealth. "Alex and Conor are outstanding leaders who have earned the trust of their colleagues and clients through their vision, integrity, and execution. Their complementary strengths position Summitry to build on its remarkable success while continuing to deliver the personalized advice and exceptional client experience that have defined the firm for more than two decades."

About Summitry
Summitry is a Bay Area wealth management firm offering personalized financial planning and investment strategies, rooted in local insight. We help grow and protect your wealth so you can pursue your best Bay Area life. Founded in 2003, the firm has $4 billion in AUM, a size large enough to possess highly sophisticated systems, to have access to a wide range of institutional research tools and services, and to employ the highest-caliber professional talent, while maintaining the culture and personalized approach of a boutique investment firm. Summitry offers a range of services, including personalized financial planning, retirement planning, estate and trust planning, California tax strategies, charitable gift planning, fiduciary support, equity compensation and benefits advice to executives, asset management, and customized investment strategies. Summitry has its sights set on becoming the most-admired firm in the marketplace and the most-admired workplace for our team. Learn more about Summitry.