Clearstead Appoints New Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Cleveland, Ohio – March 13, 2025 – Clearstead Advisors, LLC (“Clearstead”) has elected Robert “Bob” Thornton to lead the Clearstead board as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, adding more than 30 years of experience in wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, advisor recruiting, and investment banking to the team.
Most recently, Mr. Thornton served as President of First Republic Bank Private Wealth Management, which, during his tenure, grew from less than $15 billion in assets to more than $250 billion. During his 15-year plus leadership, the organization attracted more than 150 high caliber investment advisors serving the high net worth segment to the institution.
Mr. Thornton brings extensive experience from some of the world’s most recognized firms, including Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Duke University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. In his new role, he will bring great depth and vision to Clearstead and its board.
“Bob is a strong, accomplished industry veteran who brings significant experience and broad perspective to Clearstead,” said Clearstead President & CEO Brad Knapp. “His national perspective, strategic vision, and leadership will be instrumental as we plan for our future and continue to grow our firm nationally. We are delighted to have such an accomplished industry executive to provide a direct hand in shaping the Clearstead of tomorrow.”
The appointment of Mr. Thornton to lead the Clearstead board is welcomed by Flexpoint Ford, the firm’s sponsor and largest shareholder. “In the past three years, Clearstead has tripled its revenue, significantly increased its geographic reach, and broadened its client service offerings. As Clearstead continues its rapid pace of growth, we are excited to add Bob’s strategic acumen, vast experience in scaling leading wealth management organizations, and network to Clearstead’s board,” said Daniel Edelman and Steve Begleiter, Managing Directors at Flexpoint Ford and Clearstead Board Members.
“I am very excited to join Clearstead and to work with both its leadership as well as all of its colleagues who serve in meeting the needs of its clients,” Mr. Thornton said. “Clearstead has built a robust platform to meet wealth management needs and continues to be poised for continued growth and success.”
About Clearstead Advisors, LLC: Founded in 1989, Cleveland-based Clearstead is a rapidly growing financial advisory firm advising over $47* billion for private clients and institutions. For private clients – families, individuals, and related entities – Clearstead integrates financial planning, tax planning and preparation, family office, and trust administration services with research-driven investment management. Clearstead also serves 250+ institutional clients – endowments and foundations, healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, and retirement funds – by developing investment policy and asset allocation, selecting investments, and reporting on performance and policy compliance. For more information, visit clearstead.com
*Includes the assets of Clearstead Trust and Avalon Trust, which are not registered with the SEC.
Contact Matt Barkett for Clearstead: