Adam Birenbaum Named Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Michael Nathanson to Transition to Chairman
ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Focus Financial Partners (“Focus”), a leading fiduciary advice company, comprising independent wealth management, multi-family office, and business management services, today announced that Adam Birenbaum has been named the Company’s incoming Chief Executive Officer as well as a member of its Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2026. He will succeed Michael Nathanson, who will transition into the role of Chairman and continue to serve on the Board of Directors. This change implements a succession plan designed by Mr. Nathanson in consultation with the Board as part of the company’s long-term growth and leadership strategy.
Mr. Birenbaum currently serves as President, a role he assumed in April 2025, and concurrently holds the position of CEO of Focus Partners Wealth. As Focus’s CEO, he will lead the execution of the firm’s ongoing strategic priorities, including fostering continued collaboration and consolidation across the Focus partnership to drive best-in-class capabilities and services. With more than $520 billion in collective client assets across Focus’s firms, the company is positioned to deliver a level of scale, service, and specialization unmatched in the industry.
“It has been my privilege to lead and guide Focus through the most recent phase of its evolution. Now that a strong foundation and clear strategy is in place, after consideration with the Board, we determined that Adam is uniquely positioned to lead the organization through the next phase of its growth. Adam is a greatly admired and highly respected leader with an impeccable track record of building and leading key strategic initiatives at Focus. His unique skillset, combined with his strong character and commitment, will serve Focus well in the years ahead,” said Mr. Nathanson. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO, and I look forward to supporting this transition and continuing to contribute to our mission in my new role as Chairman.”
“This transition executes on the thoughtful succession plan we have long envisioned. Adam has been a key partner in advancing our strategic priorities, and he is the right leader to build on the foundation Michael set.” said Dan Glaser, Executive Chairman of Focus and Operating Partner of Focus’s majority investment partner, CD&R. “Michael’s leadership has been central to shaping the evolution of Focus. His vision, determination, and ability to bring people together laid the foundation for our long-term strategic direction. The momentum we’ve achieved and the opportunities ahead reflect the strength of the organization he has led.”
Mr. Birenbaum is a longtime executive within the wealth management industry, known for building and scaling advisory businesses through both organic and acquisition-driven growth. He began his career at a small St. Louis-based RIA, later renamed Buckingham Strategic Wealth (“Buckingham”), which at the time managed or administered less than $1 billion in assets. At age 31, Mr. Birenbaum assumed leadership of the firm and went on to guide its growth to nearly $75 billion in assets, establishing Buckingham as a prominent RIA in the industry. His leadership and impact have been widely recognized, including honors such as Financial Advisor magazine’s “10 Young Advisors to Watch,” Business Person of the Year by the
Clayton Chamber of Commerce, multiple “40 Under 40” awards, and being named “The Most Influential Figure in the RIA Industry” by RIABiz. Mr. Birenbaum is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Saint Louis University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor. He is an avid sports fan, an active collector of sports memorabilia and a lover of movies. He and his wife, a pediatrician, have three wonderful children — two daughters and a son.
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus is an interdependent partnership of wealth management, business management, and related financial services firms rooted in a client-first approach and powered by the collective energy and capabilities of its many advisors and professionals. The Focus partnership includes firms operated under the Focus Partners brand, which reflect the company’s key business lines.
Through a blend of innovative solutions, strong capital backing, and deep business expertise, Focus empowers its firms to achieve their business objectives by helping them better serve their clients and advisors. Discover more about how Focus is evolving the wealth and business management landscape by visiting www.focusfinancialpartners.com or by following the company on LinkedIn.
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