Aequitas Capital has shaken up its executive team with two promotions and one external appointment, the firm announced yesterday.

Aequitas Capital, the alternative investments specialist, has shaken up its executive team with two promotions and one external appointment, the firm announced yesterday.

The management structure reorganization was undertaken to allow Aequitas’ chief executive and chief investment officer, Bob Jesenik, to focus on business development and opportunities by streamlining responsibilities.

Scott Gillis, an already-standing member of the firm’s advisory board since 2014, has become partner and chief operating officer. He takes charge of Aequitas’ financial planning and analysis, capital markets, legal, and information technology/business operations groups.

Current executive vice president and president of Aequitas Wealth Management, Brian Rice, will take over Portland, OR-headquartered Aequitas Capital’s marketing, human resources and client service operations.

Finally, the firm has appointed Edward Tezeria as senior vice president and chief accounting officer, reporting to Olaf Janke, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Tezeria moves from American International Group, where he was senior vice president of AIG Life and Retirement. He spent 13 years at the firm, most recently heading its internal and external reporting efforts.

During his time at AIG Life he worked with Gillis, who was latterly chief financial officer of AIG Retirement Services, leading the growth of five annuity insurers and six business groups to $240 billion in assets.