Mariner, a national financial services firm, is reinforcing its Mariner Independent platform by adding key leaders to meet the increasing demand for flexible advisor affiliation models and long-term monetization options. The platform, crucial to Mariner's expansion strategy, supports over 1,100 advisors and oversees approximately $40 billion in assets under management and advisement.
Rob Sandrew has been named Head of Mariner Independent, leveraging his operational and strategic leadership expertise to foster innovation and growth. His prior achievement as chief growth officer at Integrated Partners, where assets saw significant growth, highlights his ability to propel expansion. Verne Marble joins as Managing Director, contributing his extensive experience in distribution and leadership from leading financial services firms.
These leadership updates coincide with Mariner's strong growth phase, marked by strategic acquisitions such as Ocean Heights Advisors. This acquisition offers advisors succession planning and monetization options within a W-2 framework, featuring upfront cash, equity, and a three-year earnout based on operating margins. This initiative reflects Mariner's support for advisors' business independence and growth goals.
Marty Bicknell, Mariner's CEO and president, highlighted the platform's effectiveness in providing advisors with the independence they seek, along with the resources to expand their practices. Sandrew and Marble's inclusion in the Mariner Independent Executive Committee is expected to drive the platform's development further, maintaining its status as a top choice for independent advisors focused on growth.
Since launching in 2020, Mariner Independent has delivered a wide range of services, including back-office support, practice management, and compliance assistance, backed by a team of over 300 professionals. The recent leadership appointments demonstrate Mariner's commitment to enhancing the independent advisor model, equipping advisors with the necessary tools and support to succeed independently while leveraging the advantages of a national firm.
