To Gather Share, Schwab Restructures Institutional Services

Charles Schwab has appointed Bernie Clark as head of Schwab Advisor Services and Trish Cox as head a newly created corporate brokerage services division, in a restructuring announced Tuesday.

Schwab is shifting several responsibilities in an effort to gain a significant share of business from breakaway brokers in the coming years.

“We are trying to keep everyone as close to the clients as possible,” Clark said in an interview. “We have crafted a strong team of individuals who are responsible for each one of the components of the advisory business.”

About $200 billion in client assets are expected to shift away from the wirehouse channel in the next two years as financial advisors leave brokerage companies in favor of independent firms, he said.

Under the new structure, five vice presidents will report to Clark: Jon Beatty, who will run sales; Cathy Clauson, who will managed business integration; Neesha Hathi, who will run technology solutions; Janelle Sallenave who will handle client experience; and Joe Vietri who will manage trading and operations.

Clark has been senior vice president of sales and relationship management at Schwab Advisor Services since 2005. Before that, he worked in the client service organization for Schwab’s retail business. Clark was also senior vice president of trading and operations for Schwab Advisor Services from 1998 to 2002.

In her new role, Cox will oversee all brokerage-related corporate services for Schwab, including stock plan services, designated brokerage, mutual fund clearing and investment-only sales to employers.

Both executives will report to Jim McCool, an executive vice president and head of Schwab’s Institutional Services business. In an email sent to advisors Tuesday, McCool said: “We’re making these changes to … continue to provide value and help you focus on your clients and grow your business.”

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