A California-based wealth manager is responding to an increase in demand for succession and transition planning by hiring a specialist in these areas.

San Ramon, CA-based Summit Financial Group, a financial planning and wealth management firm, has appointed Jay Gilson as a specialist in succession and transition, estate and tax planning.

The firm said it has logged an increase in demand from clients for succession and transition services, at a time when the industry's interest in succession planning and M&A shows no sign of waning (see a related article here).

Gilson has 35 years of experience working with closely-held businesses, their owners and large family groups. 

He was previously chief operating officer at RINA Accountancy and before that managed the firm's tax department. In the latter role, he was responsible for RINA's tax affairs, compliance systems and tax training.