Kestra Financial President Stephen Langlois announces his retirement, paving the way for John Amore, the firm’s head of wealth management, to take the reins in April, according to a company statement on Monday. Langlois will remain with Kestra in a senior leadership capacity until the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition.
Langlois emphasizes the importance of succession planning, a principle Kestra actively promotes to its advisors. “Just as we encourage advisors to plan their own transitions, we are implementing those same practices,” Langlois states. “John will officially take over in April, and I will continue supporting the firm through year-end, working closely with executives and advisors in the field.”
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Kestra Financial has been a key player in the wealth management industry since its founding in 1997. The firm oversees $103 billion in assets under advisement and supports over 1,700 independent financial professionals. Its operations are anchored in three core businesses: Kestra Private Wealth Services, Kestra Advisory Services, and Kestra Investment Services.
In 2023, Kestra Holdings, the parent company, sold a majority stake to private-equity firm Stone Point Capital. This transaction aims to bolster advisor services and fuel acquisitions of investment advisory firms through Bluespring Wealth Partners, a Kestra subsidiary.
Despite leadership changes, Kestra’s strategic focus on enhancing advisor resources and capabilities remains steadfast, Amore notes. “This is an evolution, not a revolution,” he says, underscoring continuity in the firm’s mission to support advisors in scaling their practices.
Amore outlines new initiatives for advisors, including expanded insurance offerings in life and long-term care—areas increasingly vital for holistic client service. “These capabilities are becoming essential as advisors address the diverse needs of their clients,” he explains.
Having joined Kestra five years ago from UBS, Amore cites the independent advisor channel’s rapid growth as a key motivator for his move. “I wanted to be part of an environment that’s expanding, not contracting,” he says.
Amore attributes much of Kestra’s success to the culture of community fostered under Langlois’ leadership. “Stephen has consistently prioritized culture and connection among advisors,” he remarks. “If you ask advisors what they value most, it’s that sense of community.”
During Langlois’ tenure, Kestra introduced enhancements to streamline client account opening and provided robust support to help advisors build their brands and expand their businesses. With a career spanning 40 years, Langlois has held prominent roles at firms like eMoney, Fidelity Investments, and LPL Financial. His time at eMoney provided an opportunity to collaborate with industry peers, including Amore, who was then at UBS.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Langlois shares a personal motivation. “The timing feels right,” he says, recalling a family member’s health challenges that impacted their retirement. “I’ve planned carefully to make the most of this next phase while maintaining my connection to Kestra as an investor.”
As Langlois transitions out, his legacy of innovation and collaboration sets the stage for Amore’s leadership, ensuring Kestra continues to thrive in its mission of empowering advisors and driving industry growth.
