Industry-leading independent advisor platform Kestra Financial, Inc. (Kestra Financial) has appointed Michelle Barry as the new President of H. Beck, Inc.

“With the backing of an industry leader in advisor technology and practice management solutions like Kestra Financial, H. Beck is well-positioned to create an optimal environment for advisors to 

Kestra Financial closed its acquisition of national independent financial advisor platform H. Beck in December 2017.

Barry brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry, most recently as the President and CEO of Hornor, Townsend & Kent (HTK), a full-service broker-dealer and subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. During her tenure at HTK, Barry was responsible for doubling the firm’s revenue, vastly improving advisor retention and overhauling the company’s back-office technology.

“Michelle’s executive experience in the broker-dealer/RIA industry, paired with her expertise in advisor technology and practice management, allows her to hit the ground running and to enhance H. Beck’s value proposition,” said James Poer, CEO of Kestra Financial. “She will serve as an invaluable leader as we work to expand and optimize H. Beck’s technology and operational solutions to empower advisor success.”

As part of the transaction, H. Beck retained its own operational autonomy and branding as a leading broker-dealer and RIA. Scott Thorson, who has been with H. Beck since 2013 and has 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, will continue his role as the Chief Operating Officer.

“With the backing of an industry leader in advisor technology and practice management solutions like Kestra Financial, H. Beck is well-positioned to create an optimal environment for advisors to grow and flourish in their practices,” said Barry. “I look forward to utilizing my background and experience to empower H. Beck advisors across the country and allow them to deliver top-notch client service and advice.”

Before HTK, Barry held a variety of positions across the broker-dealer and RIA landscape, including roles at Ameritas Life, The Advisor Group, and Salomon Smith Barney.