Kestra Expands Leadership Team and National Presence to Support Continued Growth

10/14/2025

AUSTIN, Texas – October 14, 2025 — Kestra Holdings, a leading wealth management company serving independent financial professionals and firms nationwide, today announced the addition of several key executive hires and the planned opening of a secondary headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. Kestra will maintain its primary headquarters in Austin, Texas, while its presence in Tempe will help accelerate its ability to scale operations and deliver even greater support to its growing network of more than 1,700 financial advisors nationwide.

Overseeing day-to-day operations in Tempe will be new hire Angela Xavier, joining as Kestra’s Client Experience Officer. Xavier brings extensive global leadership experience, with a focus on leveraging talent and technology to deliver sustainable growth. She spent the last six years at LPL Financial, most recently as Executive Vice President of Client Experience, leading an Innovation and delivery team that designed, launched and operated new service delivery models for best-in-class client experience across all client channels including independent advisors, institutional partners, and large RIA networks.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Kestra at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Xavier. “Kestra’s unwavering focus on the advisor and client experience is evident, and I look forward to working alongside a talented team to further elevate how Kestra serves advisors and their clients.”

In Austin, Kestra also gains a new General Counsel in Jeremy Carr, in preparation for the retirement of Kestra’s long-time General Counsel Bredt Norwood at the end of 2025. Carr brings 16 years of experience to Kestra, having spent the last 9 of those years at Cetera Financial Group, most recently as their Deputy General Counsel.

“Joining Kestra is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success,” said Carr. “I was especially drawn to Kestra’s nimbleness, strategic vision, and ability to execute and act decisively in serving its advisor community.”

Rounding out these latest new hires is the appointment of Jim Collins to Head of Business Development for Kestra Financial. Following twelve years as one of the firm’s most trusted business development leaders, Collins will now be responsible for leading the team that brings new firms into the Kestra community.

“It’s an exciting time for growth and expansion here at Kestra,” said James Poer, Chief Executive Officer of Kestra Holdings. “The addition of these key hires, and our expansion into Tempe, reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and investing in great people. Austin will remain a vital hub of innovation and leadership for our company, and Tempe will serve as a complementary center of talent and opportunity. Together, these locations will strengthen our ability to serve our community of high-performing advisors while fostering the growth of vibrant, collaborative teams in both markets.”

Kestra Holdings currently employs nearly 1,050 people and serves high-performing, independent financial advisors from across the United States.

About Kestra Holdings

Kestra Holdings offers industry-leading wealth management platforms for independent wealth management professionals nationwide. With an innovative culture that celebrates independence, the company seeks to redefine the future of the advisory industry through superior service, cutting-edge technology, and preeminent resources that every financial professional needs to succeed in the market now and in the years to come. Kestra Holdings companies support independent financial professionals across the country in delivering comprehensive securities, trust, and investment advisory services to their clients. Kestra Holdings is the direct or indirect parent company of Comprehensive Brokerage Services (CBS), Arden Trust Company (www.ardentrust.com), Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC (www.bluespringwealth.com; including its investment adviser and wealth management firm subsidiaries), Kestra Investment Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, as well as Kestra Investment Management, LLC (www.kestraim.com), Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (www.kestrafinancial.com), Kestra Private Wealth Services, LLC (www.kestrafinancial.com/private-wealth-services), and Kestra Institutional Services, LLC, all federally registered investment advisers. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.