HoyleCohen, a San Diego-based SEC-registered investment advisor, has expanded its women’s practice and promoted Elisabeth Cullington, who co-founded the women’s group, to managing director across the firm.

Janet Acheatel has been appointed as co-leader of the women’s practice, and comes on as a full-time member of the advisory team. Acheatel used to work at Brandes Investment Partners before going into semi-retirement, during which time she also worked as an independent contractor for HoyleCohen, helping to launch the women’s practice.

The firm’s women’s group, Wealth by Design for Women, was launched in 2011 to work with women on financial confidence and knowledge and address life transition issues. In addition to her new role as managing director of the firm, Cullington will continue to lead the practice along with Acheatel.

HoyleCohen has also brought in financial advisor Bridget Grimes from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

“Adding Bridget to our team is not only a testament to the growth of our practice, but also to the need we are answering for women in financial services,” said Cullington.