Chief Executive Officer

Molly Bennard

Molly is responsible for establishing and leading the strategic vision and growth strategy of Connectus globally. As one of the initial architects of the Connectus business model, Molly passionately works alongside Connectus partners to deliver strategic support and dedicated resources that generate better outcomes and experiences for clients and employees alike.

Before joining Connectus, Molly was a Managing Director at Focus Financial Partners, responsible for leading business development and acquisition activities across both the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. She also oversaw various international initiatives, including the expansion of Focus’ presence in Australia. Molly also worked closely with multiple Focus partner firms in delivering value-added resources to help execute strategic initiatives that accelerate growth.

Prior to Focus, Molly held a leadership position as the Head of the Strategic Initiatives Group at AXA US, where she led corporate strategy and business development initiatives to drive profitable growth and performance across the organization. She also previously worked within Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division, executing M&A, equity and debt transactions within the financial services industry. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, providing financial due diligence and other advisory services to private equity and corporate clients within the U.S. and Latin America.

Molly is a CPA and CFA charterholder. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Molly enjoys running, scuba diving, international photography and cooking.

Global mbennard@connectuswealth.com 646-560-4292 Molly Bennard

Chief Experience Officer

Amy DeTolla

Amy is responsible for the vision and architecture of Connectus’ fully integrated technology suite and digital-first client engagement platform. She works closely with Connectus Partners on planning and execution of firm-specific operational, growth and strategic initiatives. Amy also oversees Connectus’ merger integration activities to facilitate a seamless transition experience. Prior to joining Connectus, Amy spent four years on Focus Financial Partners’ Technology and Operations team where she advised Focus Partner firms on operational efficiencies and technology solutions.

Amy is an accomplished senior executive whose career spans decades within the wealth management industry. She is a highly effective change agent with a proven record of success in business operations, platform transformation and technology innovation. She applies her deep experience across investment management, wealth technology, product creation, trading and operational excellence to our Connectus Partners. She has held leadership roles at Blackrock, Robertson Stephens Investment Bank, Fidelity Investments and Advent Software. Amy also owned a consultancy firm whose focus was on transforming wealth firms through technology enablement.

Amy lives in Northern California and enjoys outdoor activities, creating art and spending time at the beach with her husband, Joe.

United States & Canada adetolla@connectuswealth.com 415-697-1236 Amy DeTolla

Chief Marketing Officer

Kathleen Alcorn

Kathleen is responsible for leading marketing and branding for Connectus Wealth Advisers and our global partners to ensure long-term growth and business success.

Her experience prior to joining includes heading marketing and internal communications teams in financial services and technology organizations, such as Nasdaq, JP Morgan Asset Management, Lehman Brothers, and Notified, an Apollo Global Management company. Kathleen began her career at a leading creative agency on the West Coast spearheading campaigns for brands including Qualcomm, Prudential Real Estate and Ameriquest Mortgage.

Kathleen has a Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly University and holds certificates in data science and marketing metrics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Kathleen lives in New York City with her family, and when not working, you’ll find her skiing or at the beach, exploring new neighborhoods, or finding a new recipe to master. She is also on the Board of Protectors of the Endangered, a non-profit dedicated to improving children’s literacy through education and entertainment.

Global kalcorn@connectuswealth.com 646 499 8584 Kathleen Alcorn

Chief Compliance Officer

John Stelley

John is responsible for managing the compliance function for Connectus and partner firms across the United States.

 

Prior to joining Connectus, John was a Compliance Consultant for two private fund managers, and a short-duration fixed-income asset manager. John joined BlackRock in 2005, where he held multiple senior compliance roles throughout his tenure including Managing Director and Global Head of Corporate Compliance from 2012 to 2019. Prior to that appointment, John was the Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”) and was responsible for the administration of the BlackRock Advisory Employee Investment Transaction Policy, served as the U.S. Regional Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, and was responsible for BlackRock Funds and Advisers that are registered with the National Futures Association and U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

Preceding his roles at BlackRock, John was a Principal in the Compliance Department at State Street Global Advisors (“SSgA”), served as the Code of Ethics Officer and the Data Privacy Officer, and provided compliance support for nine U.S. and non-U.S. affiliated investment advisers with a variety of investment types, including real estate, hedge funds, and private equity.  Prior to that, he was Vice President in Compliance at Standish Mellon Asset Management, where he assisted in the development of a proprietary fixed-income trading restriction system.

 

John earned an MBA from Boston College in 2001, a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1992, and a BA degree from St. John Fisher College in 1989. John is a member of the New York and Massachusetts Bar.

United States & Canada jstelley@connectuswealth.com 646 499 8583 John Stelley

Head of Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

Kristen Bell

Kristen is responsible for Compliance and Regulatory Affairs in Australia, for Connectus Wealth Advisers. She works closely with partner firms to manage their compliance with regulatory obligations enabling partner firms to focus on client facing activities and taking the hassle out of their legal and compliance matters.

Prior to joining Connectus, Kristen was the head of Risk & Compliance at AUSIEX, where she led the risk and compliance divestment of AUSIEX from Commonwealth Securities and was responsible for compliance and risk management across the organisation. Kristen previously worked as a Senior Manager in the Commercial and Institutional development division of CommSec Adviser Services, facilitating the expansion of the growth in the institutional client base and the management of legal and compliance matters across the division. Kristen started her career in the Australian Army at the Royal Military College, before moving into the corporate sector executing M&A, equity, and debt transactions for domestic and international pension funds.

Kristen is a Justice of the Peace, and holds Masters degrees in Terrorism & Security, and Intelligence Analysis from Charles Sturt University. Kristen is currently studying a Diploma of Law / LLB through the University of Sydney. Outside of work, Kristen is a competitive boxer, avid hiker and enjoys travelling.

Australia kbell@connectuswealth.com.au +61 400 887 773 Kristen Bell

Director, Practice Management & Operations

Shane Hermann

Shane is responsible for the Practice Management and Operations across our partner firms within Connectus Wealth Australia. In this role Shane works closely with our advisers and businesses to help them identify opportunities that will improve their productivity and growth to drive revenue, increase profits, as well as managing risk within our partner firms.

Shane has over 20 years’ experience working with financial advice businesses in Australia. Before joining Connectus, Shane was as a Practice Development Manager with ClearView. In this role he managed a team of salary advisers as well as looking after a panel of self-employed advice businesses. In this role he helped his practices implement organic growth strategies, identify, and execute M&A opportunities and navigate significant regulatory change.

Shane has a bachelor or Business from Charles Sturt University and is a qualified financial adviser. Shane lives in Sydney with his family, and when not working, you will find him riding his bike around Sydney, spending time with his family or coaching his son football team.

Australia shermann@connectuswealth.com.au +61 (0)438 564 225 Shane Hermann

Vice President, Strategy & Operations

Samuel Jack

Sam is responsible for implementing forward-looking strategies and innovative technology solutions to enhance both employee and client engagement. Sam and his team strive to manage a thoughtful and streamlined integration experience for new firms that join Connectus. A passionate project planner, he enjoys solving complex problems and providing new firms with an elevated platform for growth.

Prior to joining Connectus, Sam was a Senior Associate with Focus Financial Partners where he consulted with Focus Partner firms across a wide range of operations and technology improvements. He was also responsible for helping elite “breakaway” wealth management teams transition their business and clients to the RIA space.

Sam received his B.A. in Economics from The George Washington University. In his free time, Sam enjoys playing tennis, running, skiing, learning about all things FinTech, and is an avid history reader.

United States & Canada sjack@connectuswealth.com 646-795-2569 Samuel Jack

Director, People and Culture

Mariah Khoury

Mariah is responsible for human resources strategy, people and talent across Connectus Australia. She works closely with Connectus partners to support talent acquisition, enhance employee experience, develop organisational structure and assist in driving a flourishing culture.

Mariah has extensive experience working with many financial services companies across Australia to strengthen their culture by providing them with holistic, legally sound, HR advice. She began her career as an employment lawyer, and then later as a senior workplace relations consultant, predominantly advising businesses in the finance and accounting industries on their human resources practices from a legal perspective.

Mariah holds a Bachelor of Laws/LLB (Honours) and Bachelor of International Relations, with relevant experience studying overseas in Europe and the United States. Outside of work, Mariah is an avid reader and has started a book club, enjoys pilates and outdoor walks.

Australia mkhoury@connectuswealth.com.au +61 0423 672 760 Mariah Khoury

Finance Director

Souvik Paul

Souvik is responsible for Group Finance, Treasury, Tax Compliance and AFSL Audits for the partners within Connectus Wealth Australia. Souvik works closely with the partners to oversee their finances and tax obligations ensuring smooth financial operations and enabling the leadership team to implement key strategic decisions.

Souvik has more than 18 years’ experience working both, in public practice and in industry. He has considerable knowledge in financial accounting, taxation, audit and business services. Souvik’s experience covers both, Government and private sector with turnover ranging up to $200m. Prior to joining Connectus, Souvik was the Head of Finance for a Sydney based Fintech company and the Director of their South Asian operations employing close to 60 offshore staff. He is passionate about financial services, IT implementation and process improvements.

Souvik is a Chartered Accountant from CAANZ and holds a Masters degree in Accounting from University of South Australia. Souvik lives in Melbourne. Outside of work, Souvik is a passionate photographer, an avid traveller and is into mountaineering.

Australia spaul@connectuswealth.com.au +61 (0)433 960 206 Souvik Paul

Senior Associate, Strategy & Operations

Luke Robinson

Luke is part of the Strategy & Operations team at Connectus. Luke and his team engage with partner firms and provide a wide range of services including operational due diligence, vendor management, technology implementations and M&A integration support.

Prior to joining Connectus, Luke worked at EY as a management consultant in their Strategy & Business Transformation group, supporting engagements for the firm’s largest Wealth & Asset Management clients.

Luke graduated from Lafayette College with a BA in Economics and Government & Law. Luke is originally from St. Louis, MO, and currently lives in New York City. In his spare time, Luke enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and exploring New York City.

United States & Canada lrobinson@connectuswealth.com 646-499-8581 Luke Robinson

Director of Employee Success

Ashleigh Tanella

Ashleigh is responsible for human capital strategy and overall employee experience across Connectus North America. She works closely with Connectus partners to support talent acquisition, career development, organizational structure, and compensation design.

Prior to joining Connectus, Ashleigh led the Human Resource department at FirstKey Mortgage, providing support in all aspects of Talent Management including, Recruitment, Employee Performance, and Compensation & Benefits. Ashleigh also focused on HR business strategy, focusing in on Retention & Succession planning, and Employee Development & Training. She began her career in the consumer goods industry with illy caffe, N.A. as Credit Specialist and Steiner Sports as Accounts Receivable manager. The Accounting and Finance exposure has served as a benefit as she pursued a career change into Human Resources, as she was responsible for Personnel Expense budget and forecasting while at FirstKey Mortgage.

Ashleigh received both her B.A. in Fine Arts and M.S. in Human Resource Management from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Creativity, structure and design come natural to her, and prove to be a strong passion in her life. In Ashleigh’s free time, she enjoys exploring new places with her family, cheering for her two boys on the soccer field, listening to live music and trying new recipes.

United States & Canada atanella@connectuswealth.com 561-898-1142 Ashleigh Tanella

General Manager

Andrew Waldren

Andrew supports the sourcing and execution of Connectus transactions in the UK and is responsible for the build-out of the operating model and infrastructure for Connectus UK. Andrew also supports strategic initiatives for certain Focus partner firms and affiliates within the UK.

Before joining Connectus, Andrew was the COO of the Sandaire Family Office, and held similar COO positions at a number of independent Wealth Management businesses and Family Offices in the UK for the past 20 years. Prior to that, Andrew spent eight years with the Butterfield group, including six years working in Bermuda and Singapore.

Andrew is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments and enjoys running and traveling.

UK awaldren@connectuswealth.co.uk 44 (0)7585 970711 Andrew Waldren