CAPTRUST Appoints Mike Wunderli as New Head of M&A Strategies

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors has recently revealed a significant addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Mike Wunderli as the new head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As CAPTRUST aims to enhance its growth trajectory through strategic initiatives, Wunderli's wealth of experience and industry insight will be critical to achieving those goals.

In his new role, Wunderli will spearhead CAPTRUST's strategic endeavors to identify and integrate firms that align with the company's vision, focusing on client-centric values, growth potential, and mission alignment. CAPTRUST CEO Fielding Miller highlighted the importance of this leadership choice, stating, "The industry is at an inflection point, and we needed a leader who is not only equipped to tackle the challenges ahead but is also energetic and enthusiastic about driving growth. Mike embodies these qualities and fits well with our ambitions for the future."

Wunderli comes to CAPTRUST from ECHELON Partners, a distinguished investment banking firm, where he has held the position of managing director since 2016. His previous role saw him overseeing M&A activities specifically tailored for the wealth and asset management sectors, a background that will serve him well in his new position at CAPTRUST.

Before joining ECHELON, Wunderli spent over a decade at prestigious financial institutions such as Lehman Brothers and UBS, where he served as a senior vice president in their private wealth management divisions. This extensive experience has provided him with valuable insights into the workings of the industry, as he has spent years collaborating with entrepreneurs, business owners, top investment managers, private equity firms, family offices, and various capital sources.

Reflecting on his transition to CAPTRUST, Wunderli expressed optimism about the firm's elite offerings and integration capabilities: "Having worked from the other side of the table for nearly a decade, I've witnessed the evolution of leading acquirers in our industry. CAPTRUST stands out due to its exceptional services and robust resources. I believe that a select group of elite firms will emerge to lead in the independent space, and CAPTRUST is uniquely positioned to elevate the industry to new heights in quality, integrity, and fiduciary responsibility."

With a solid educational background, Wunderli earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and holds a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, he currently resides in Redondo Beach, California.

CAPTRUST itself is well-regarded for providing independent financial advice and investment management services tailored to individuals, endowments, foundations, nonprofit organizations, retirement plan sponsors, and their employees. The firm specializes in holistic financial planning and wealth management, along with concierge services for clients with ultra-high net worth. For institutions, they offer outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services and comprehensive fiduciary support among other offerings.

As CAPTRUST continues to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing financial landscape, Wunderli's appointment signifies a deliberate step towards expanding their horizon and reinforcing their strategic plans for mergers and acquisitions. His leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest caliber of client-focused services and fostering long-lasting relationships with its partners. In a time of transformation, CAPTRUST appears poised to not only navigate current challenges but also to seize emerging opportunities in the financial advisory space.