Sierra Investment Management, a firm focused on mitigating downside risk through tactical investment disciplines, has appointed Skip Schweiss, CFP, AIF, as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sierra Group of Companies, effective 1 October, 2021.
In this newly created role, Schweiss will focus on the continued growth of the enterprise and demonstrating the value of Sierra’s investment strategies designed for individual investors, mutual funds, and turnkey asset management platform (TAMP) models. Sierra co-founders David Wright and Kenneth Sleeper will remain focused on the investment management side of the business, working with clients and other duties.
“Dave and I and the entire team at Sierra are delighted to welcome Skip, and we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber join us as our first CEO,” says Ken Sleeper. “Skip understands the advisor business and the unique challenges advisors face at a level few others do. Given his experience, expertise and network, we have no doubt that his addition will allow us to better meet the needs of investors and advisors as we continue to grow.”
Co-founder David Wright says: “We are proud to support Skip’s ongoing volunteer role as President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Skip has made important contributions to legislation for the benefit of FPA’s 19,000 members and the broader financial advisor community, including independent RIAs like the Sierra Group.”
“I’ve known Dave and Ken for over 30 years and watched them build a unique firm that marries its time-tested, rules-based investing approach with best-of-breed client service,” says Schweiss. “I’m joining Sierra at a time when the firm is experiencing significant growth, especially within the financial adviser community with the Sierra Mutual Fund and Ocean Park Asset Management investment offerings. Sierra is trusted by advisors and seeks to keep investors out of trouble through challenging market cycles. I’m honoured to be the firm’s first CEO and look forward to playing a role in its continued growth.”
Schweiss currently serves as the volunteer president for the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals and those who support the financial planning process and will remain in this post for the rest of the year. In 2020, Schweiss concluded a 12-year stint with TD Ameritrade, where he most recently served as President of TD Ameritrade Trust Company and Managing Director of Advisor Advocacy. His leadership enabled the company to grow its retirement plan services to more than 12,000 retirement plans and more than USD40 billion in assets under administration.
“I can’t think of anyone better than Skip to help us show advisors and investors the value and utility of the Sierra approach,” says Sleeper. “Sierra’s focus on risk mitigation is a natural fit for retirees and other conservative investors, and while our recent growth is exciting, Skip can help take us to the next level.”
