FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Lincoln Investment has promoted President and Chief Operating Officer Kathy Leckey to chief executive officer, completing a multi-year succession plan at the independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser as the firm positions itself for continued growth in a consolidating wealth management industry.
Leckey succeeds Ed Forst, who has led the company since 1992 and will transition to executive chairman of the board, the firm said.
The leadership change comes as independent wealth management firms face increasing regulatory requirements, technology investment demands and competition for financial advisors. Lincoln Investment oversees more than $60 billion in client assets and supports a network of approximately 1,000 financial professionals nationwide.
Leckey, who joined the company in 2020, previously served as president and chief operating officer. In her new role, she will oversee the firm’s strategic direction and executive leadership team.
The company also highlighted several recent executive appointments, including Anthony Bueti as chief operating officer, Jason Estes as chief information and technology officer, and Dan Alexander as chief business development officer.
Forst said the transition was designed to preserve governance continuity while supporting the firm’s long-term growth objectives.
“Leadership continuity is a strategic advantage in a highly regulated financial environment,” Forst said. “This transition is a deliberate move to ensure that our governance framework remains as robust as our growth strategy.”
Leckey said the firm’s focus remains on supporting its advisor network through investments in operations, technology and business development.
“Our primary focus is the success of the approximately 1,000 financial professionals who trust us with their practices,” she said. “By aligning our leadership across technology, operations, and business development, we are positioned to deliver the most competitive platform in the independent wealth management space.”
Lincoln Investment, founded in 1968, operates as a family-owned broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. The company said the succession plan was designed to provide stability for its approximately 400 employees and advisor network while maintaining continuity in governance and strategic oversight.
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