Wells Fargo Hauls Advisors from UBS, Stifel, Others

Wells Fargo has expanded its network by hiring nine financial advisors in January. The advisors oversaw a combined total of about $950 million in assets at their previous firms.

Kevin Connelly, a top performer among January's new hires, has transitioned to Wells Fargo's Private Client Group in Bethesda, Maryland, from UBS, where he generated over $1.1 million in revenue from nearly $195 million in client assets. Over his 37-year career, Connelly has completed a remarkable career milestone, having worked at all four major wirehouses—Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley (including its Citigroup Global Markets predecessor), UBS, and now Wells Fargo. 

Brett Fleckman transitioned to their Private Client Group in New York City from Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., bringing over $1 million in annual revenue from approximately $200 million in client assets. With over 19 years in the industry, Fleckman's career includes positions at notable firms such as AllianceBernstein, Thomas Weisel Partners, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Barclays Capital.

Mason City, Iowa–based advisor Shannon Kropp moved from LPL Financial to Wells, managing over $167 million and generating more than $936,000 in annual revenue. Other recruits include H.W. Constantin Nelson from Morgan Stanley, Trent Brining from Copper Financial, and Gary Wayne from Janney Montgomery Scott, each bringing substantial experience and managing significant client assets. 

The bank channel at Wells Fargo was strengthened by the addition of Mike Dellisant and Dave Levin from Baker Tilly in San Diego, and Paul Curcio from Santander Securities in Allentown, Pennsylvania, all of whom bring years of experience and managed substantial assets.