The latest moves, appointments and personnel changes in wealth management for North America.

Hightower Advisors
Chicago-headquartered Hightower Advisors has appointed Bob Lavigne as chief compliance officer for Hightower Holdings. In this role, Lavigne will oversee the firm’s enterprise-wide compliance program, regulatory strategy, and risk governance across Hightower’s national community of advisors, the firm said in a statement.

Lavigne brings nearly 30 years of senior compliance and regulatory leadership within the wealth management industry, including experience in designing scalable compliance programs, implementing technology-driven oversight tools, and partnering with advisors. He will report to Hightower CEO Larry Restieri.

Prior to joining Hightower, Lavigne served as vice president and chief compliance officer at Edelman Financial Engines. His background spans RIA, broker-dealer, and hybrid firm oversight, providing him with an understanding of the supervisory frameworks required for a modern advisory organization.

Vontobel
Vontobel, a Swiss investment firm, has appointed Martin “Marty” Coughlin as consultant relationship manager â€“ a newly-formed role.

Based in Boston, Coughlin will be responsible for building and deepening relationships with US-focused investment consultants. He has more than 25 years of experience working with investment consultants and institutional investors. Previously, he worked at Lord Abbett, where he was responsible for consultant relations. Prior to that, Coughlin held a similar position at Boston Partners Global Investors.

Brighton Jones
Brighton Jones, a US wealth management firm with over $30 billion in assets under advisement, has promoted Melinda Torres to chief marketing officer.

Torres joined Brighton Jones in March 2025 following the acquisition of her branding agency Doubleknot Creative. Most recently she served as managing director of brand and product marketing, the firm said in a statement. Since her appointment, Torres has helped deepen Brighton Jones' brand and marketing strategies, strengthening the firm's image for clients, teammates, and the broader market, while supporting national growth initiatives.

As chief marketing officer, Torres will oversee the firm's marketing organization and guide brand, performance marketing, events, client communities, and communications strategy across the business. Her role includes stewarding the evolution of the Brighton Jones brand, shaping the firm's public voice and media presence, and ensuring that marketing efforts support both growth and culture.