Decision comes after iA completed acquisition of $40bn firm last year
Julie Gallagher has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Richardson Wealth as of Tuesday. Gallagher, a 20-year industry veteran was previously Senior VP and Head of Investment Products & Solutions and Capital Markets at iA Financial. The decision follows the closure, in October, of iA Financial Group's acquisition of Richardson Wealth in a deal valued at $597 million.
“As we continue our expansion in the wealth management space, Julie possesses precisely the right combination of skills, experience and continuity we need,” said Stephan Bourbonnais, Executive Vice‑President, iA Wealth, in a press release. “With iA now positioned as Canada’s largest independent wealth management firm, we are establishing a new standard in client service and advisor support by elevating the value proposition for advisors and deploying innovative, industry-leading platforms powered by artificial intelligence. I am confident in Julie’s ability to lead a high-performing executive team, attract and develop advisory teams, and continue to build on Richardson Wealth’s unique culture, trusted reputation and strong company values.”
Gallagher succeeds Dave Kelly in the role of Richardson CEO, who had served in the role from October 2024, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer for 9 months prior. Kelly presided over Richardson's acquisition by iA.
“I am thrilled by the opportunities ahead as we enter a dynamic new chapter for our combined organization,” said Julie Gallagher. “It is a privilege to succeed Dave Kelly, an exceptional leader who has helped lay a strong foundation for the firm’s future. I am also honoured to continue working alongside the Richardson Wealth advisory teams and to further strengthen the exceptional culture they have built.”
WP has previously reported that Richardson Wealth manages around $40 billion in assets.
