Retirement Industry People Moves

Art by Subin Yang

Acadian Hires Global Equity Research Director

Acadian Asset Management LLC has appointed Vladimir Zdorovtsov to director of Global Equity Research. In this role, Zdorovtsov will be responsible for the leadership of Acadian’s research team, including management, idea generation, and setting the agenda and strategic vision for Acadian’s global equity research efforts.

“We’re extremely excited to have Vladimir lead Acadian’s Global Equity Research team,” says Brendan Bradley, chief investment officer of Acadian. “Vladimir’s breadth of expertise across asset pricing, behavioral finance, and quantitative analysis is remarkable. We believe these technical skills, along with his leadership, experience with innovative techniques, and innate intellectual curiosity will add valuable contributions and keep Acadian at the forefront of quantitative equity research.”

Zdorovtsov joins Acadian from Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), where he served as managing director with responsibility for quantitative research within the firm’s Fundamental Equity and Direct Alternatives units, focusing specifically on alpha capture and integration of quantitative alpha, risk, and portfolio construction techniques. Prior to GSAM, Zdorovtsov held research leadership roles at technology startup Rosetta Analytics and State Street Global Advisors. 

Zdorovtsov holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of South Carolina, a master’s from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s in international economics from Sumy State University in the Ukraine.

Maryland-Based Firm Joins TRA

The Retirement Advantage, Inc. (TRA) has acquired Fred S. Shapiro & Associates, Inc. (FSA).

FSA’s President Fred Shapiro states: “We are excited to join forces with TRA. Both companies share a common vision to help clients achieve financial security, as well as a deep commitment to client service. We also place tremendous value on providing independent, team-based consultation to help clients navigate the increasingly complex retirement plan environment.”

“Together, TRA and FSA can fulfill our shared pledge to offer a conflict-free platform that advisers and their clients can depend on,” agrees Matt Schoneman, president of TRA. “We don’t have hidden fees. We don’t have hidden agendas. We offer proactive, best-in-class service to retirement plan professionals and the clients they serve.”

TRA’s Director of Sales Jeff Schreiber notes that, “this acquisition helps TRA continue our expansion as a respected national retirement services brand. By partnering with FSA, we’re accelerating our joint mission to deliver comprehensive retirement planning advice to an even greater base of clients.”

Creative Planning Acquires RIA Firm

Creative Planning Inc. has acquired Stratford Consulting, an RIA firm located in Addison, Texas. Stratford Consulting provides financial planning and investment management for clients with approximately $618 million in Assets Under Management.

Peter Mallouk, chief executive officer of Creative Planning, says, “Susan Schildt and Michael Hemp have built a remarkable practice with a best in class reputation serving high net worth individuals. While Creative Planning already has a substantial presence in the Dallas Metro, the addition of Stratford Consulting will augment our plans to become far more competitive in that market. We are delighted to have them join our team.”

Susan Schildt, managing principal of Stratford Consulting, states: “As a boutique comprehensive financial planning RIA, we did not anticipate finding that a national firm would be a fit for us. In Creative Planning we have found a company with deep resources and an outstanding reputation that also shares our view of how to best treat and work with clients. We could not be more excited about joining the Creative Planning team.”