Mariner Wealth Hires John Hancock Exec

Mariner Wealth Advisors has hired Todd Cassler to serve as the firm’s chief strategy and growth officer. Cassler moves to Mariner from John Hancock, where he was president of financial institutions and advisory solutions and head of institutional distribution for the U.S. and Europe since 2006.

“I’ve known Todd for years, and I have the utmost respect for the impact he has had on the growth of John Hancock’s business,” Mariner CEO and president Marty Bicknell said in a statement. “Todd’s strong reputation and relationships within the industry will help us grow in new arenas and will complement the existing strengths of our Enterprise Leadership Team.”

In his new role, Cassler will lead Mariner’s organic and inorganic growth programs, which include advisor recruiting, referral partnerships and advisory solutions. He also will focus on growth across Mariner’s different business units, such as its ultra-high net worth practice and its platform for independent advisors.

Earlier, the chief strategy role was held by Mariner COO Cheryl Bicknell, who will now focus exclusively on operational matters for the firm.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the best and brightest in the industry,” Cassler said. “It’s an honor to join Mariner Wealth Advisors and have the chance to work with this unique and talented team. The firm has shown tremendous growth and has an excellent track record of success, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its next stage of expansion.”

Over the past two years, Mariner has made more than 25 acquisitions. In mid-2022, it announced it was buying Heber Fuger Wendin Investment Advisors, a group with $8.6 billion in assets under management, and Financial Services Network, which provides administrative, compliance and other services to about 400 advisors with $26 billion in assets under administration.

Mariner Wealth Advisors and its affiliates advised clients with some $105 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2022.