AIG Advisor Group, the US advisor network, with more than 7,800 representatives across four brands, has a appointed a new chief executive, Larry Roth, from within its own ranks, to replace Peter Harbeck who remains as the group’s chairman.

Mr Roth was formerly president and chief executive of Royal Alliance Associates, the group’s largest broker-dealer brand. Before joining AIG Group in January last year he was chief executive of VESTAX Securities and the giant ING US Retail Group around the turn of the millennium.

Arthur Tambaro, vice chairman and chief operating officer, Royal Alliance, will succeed Mr Roth as president of Royal Alliance.

Mr Roth’s appointment as CEO is part of a broader reorganisation within the group aimed at improving the coordination of the support functions for advisors, according to a spokesperson.

Mr Roth’s principal focus now will be defining strategy and driving growth. The reorganisation is believed to be an attempt to better leverage the resources of the private client group of parent company American International Group, an international insurance organisation with operations in more than 130 countries.

In addition to Mr Roth’s appointment, the group announced further expansion to the roles of existing executives including Joby Gruber, current president and chief executive of FSC Securities Corporation and Advantage Capital Corporation – two other dealer brands within the network – who has been named to the additional post of president, AIG Advisor Network, and will assume expanded responsibility for recruiting, regional management, business development.

Jim Cannon, president and chief executive of AIG Financial Advisors and American General Securities will also assume expanded responsibilities as president, AIG Investment Advisory Services, which includes all asset management platforms and advisory consultants.

Randy Epright, who was most recently senior vice president, chief operations officer and chief information officer of AIG Retirement Services has assumed new responsibilities as executive vice president and chief operating officer, AIG Advisor Group. Mr Epright will now be responsible for all operations and technology including brokerage services, trading, advisory technology, and back office processing.