The latest senior moves in the North American wealth management sector.

UBS Wealth Management USA appointed a three-person team this week, Sequoia Partners, who have joined the firm in Irvine, California. 

The team, which is led by Financial Advisors Howard L Woo and Luke C Schell, also includes client service associate Cyntia Lopez, the firm said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sequoia Partners to our team at UBS,” said Sasha Kottmeier, UBS Irvine branch manager. “Howard and Luke are valuable additions to our Irvine office, adding experience, integrity, and collaboration to our existing strong culture of success.”

The Sequoia Partners team advises high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families on comprehensive retirement and cash flow planning, estate planning strategies, and portfolio management, including asset allocation, risk management, equity and fixed income portfolio construction, as well as alternative investments.

“They have built a well-credentialed, boutique-style wealth management team with many years of experience,” Justin Frame, market head for the UBS Southern California market said. 

“We’re confident that with their experience and dedication to clients, they will help deliver differentiated and holistic wealth management advice, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of our clients,” he added.

Woo joins from Merrill where he was a branch manager in Irvine and was co-founding partner of his team. He has 24 years of experience providing comprehensive wealth management and investments for high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families, corporations, endowments, and foundations, the firm said. 

Schell, who is also joining from Merrill, brings more than 20 years of industry experience. He focuses on providing holistic wealth management solutions, and has continued to cultivate client loyalty and responsiveness through implementing progressive ideas and his commitment to clients’ wellbeing, the firm continued. 

Lopez is a client service associate on the Sequoia Partners team, focused on providing organizational and client support, the firm said. She began her career with Bank of America in 2016 as a relationship manager, and later joined Merrill as a wealth management client associate.