Modern Wealth Names Derek Bruton Head of M&A

Modern Wealth Management LLC, a California-based registered investment advisory firm, announced Thursday the appointment of Derek Bruton as head of mergers and acquisitions. Bruton will oversee Modern Wealth’s national inorganic growth strategy and lead its partnership development team.

Bruton has more than 30 years of experience across M&A, RIA, custodian and broker/dealer channels.

“What Modern Wealth has built is impressive, and it starts with the people,” Bruton said in a statement. “The founders and executive team are individuals I trust and have enjoyed working with over the years. They’ve built a great business in a short amount of time, and I’m excited to help build on that success.”

Bruton, according to Modern Wealth’s announcement, has recruited more than 10,000 advisers and advised more than 20,000 firms. He most recently worked with Gladstone Group, where he oversaw RIA sell-side transactions and led the strategic growth consulting division of Gladstone Associates.

In 2010, LPL Financial named Bruton head of its hybrid RIA platform. He also held executive positions at Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade.

Jason Gordo, co‑founder and president of Modern Wealth, said in a statement that Bruton is a “difference maker,” adding: “We believe he will take our growth to the next level by drawing on the relationships and expertise he’s built. … Bringing in talent of Derek’s caliber is an investment in our future and our continued national expansion.”

Modern Wealth has more than $10 billion in total assets under management.