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Edward Walters Takes the Helm at World Investment Advisors

In a significant development for the wealth management industry, World Investment Advisors (WIA) has appointed Edward (Ed) Walters as its new President. This move signals a pivotal moment for WIA, which is part of World Insurance Associates LLC, as it embarks on an ambitious trajectory of growth and innovation.

Who is Edward Walters?

With over 20 years of high-level experience in the financial services sector, Walters has built a reputation for transformative leadership and innovation. Prior to joining WIA, he held key positions at respected organizations such as Lincoln Financial Group, T. Rowe Price, and Janney Montgomery Scott. His proven track record includes developing centralized wealth management platforms and driving substantial growth while ensuring profitability.

During his tenure as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Wealth Management at Lincoln Financial Network, Walters led a team of more than 200, steering the organization towards a remarkable fivefold increase in earnings. This kind of strategic oversight and operational acumen makes him a fitting choice to guide WIA through this crucial phase of development.

Strategic Leadership Transition

Walters' appointment comes as current CEO Troy Hammond prepares to step down at the end of the year. Hammond will remain with WIA until then to assist in a seamless leadership transition, ensuring the company’s stability amidst these changes. Rich Eknoian, CEO of World Insurance Associates, expressed confidence in Walters' ability to enhance advisor and client experiences while expanding the company's market presence.

“Ed is a visionary leader with a proven track record,” stated Eknoian. “His experience will be invaluable as we look to deliver innovative solutions that empower our advisors and create long-term value for our clients.” The leadership change is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to WIA’s operations.

A Vision for the Future

Upon his appointment, Walters articulated his excitement about the opportunity to lead WIA, emphasizing a commitment to crafting a platform that caters to multigenerational investors. He envisions leveraging technology to enhance client interactions and improve advisory services.

“Together, we will build a platform designed to serve multigenerational investors, thoughtfully use technology to meet clients where they are, and deliver service that strengthens the advisor-client relationship,” Walters stated confidently. This forward-thinking approach will likely foster innovation and facilitate WIA's growth aspirations.

Experience in Driving Change

In addition to his leadership roles, Walters was instrumental in launching T. Rowe Price’s Active Plus Portfolios, a groundbreaking robo-advisor service. His transformative impact was also evident when he shifted Janney Montgomery Scott's operational model from transactional brokerage to a fee-based wealth management approach, leading to consistent double-digit growth.

Even beyond the realm of financial innovation, Walters is dedicated to nurturing talent and developing organizational culture. His initiatives have included leadership programs aimed at elevating emerging executives and financial literacy projects for underserved communities, reflecting a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Conclusion

As World Investment Advisors prepares for this new chapter under Edward Walters' leadership, the broader financial services community watches with interest. His history of driving growth, pursuing innovation, and elevating client and advisor experiences positions WIA for a potential rebound as a significant player in the wealth management sector. With a clear vision and supportive leadership, WIA is poised for transformative success in the future.

For more information about World Investment Advisors and their latest initiatives, visit www.worldadvisors.com.