World Investment Advisors Names Edward Walters as President
Current CEO Troy Hammond, founder of the firm, will step down at the end of the year.
Edward Walters
World Investment Advisors LLC, the financial advisory firm and division of World Insurance Associates LLC, has appointed Edward Walters as president. Current WIA CEO Troy Hammond will step down at the end of the year as part of a “smooth” and “pre-planned” transition, and his responsibilities will be handled by Walters’ office, according to a firm spokesperson.
Walters will oversee WIA’s operations, growth initiatives, and adviser and client experience platforms, while working closely with the executive team.
“Ed is a visionary leader with a proven track record of executing successful strategies that transform financial services businesses,” said World Insurance Associates CEO Rich Eknoian in a statement. “We are confident Ed’s leadership will accelerate our ability to deliver innovative solutions, empower advisers and create long-term value for our clients and stakeholders.”
Walters previously served as chief operating officer and head of wealth management at Osaic and the Lincoln Financial Network.
“I am honored to join World Investment Advisors at such an exciting stage in its evolution,” Walters said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the team to drive innovation, expand our reach and continue fostering a culture of growth.”
Walters’ experience also includes roles at Janney Montgomery Scott, Ferris Baker Watts and T. Rowe Price, where he launched the firm’s digital advisory platform and expanded its managed account platform. He also serves on the boards of Saint Joseph’s University and the Urban League of Philadelphia.
WIA, acquired by World Insurance Associates LLC in March 2022, was known as Pensionmark Financial Group until 2024. It has more than 630 advisers and staff across more than 100 U.S. locations.