TOWSON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WMS Partners, the Baltimore region’s leading independent wealth-planning and investment firm, is pleased to announce that Todd M. Wickwire has been named Chief Executive Officer.

“Todd’s years of experience working in capital markets, institutional brokerage and investment research naturally complement our team and strengthens the firm’s position as the leading wealth advisory firm in the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Timothy Chase, Chairman and Co-Founder of WMS Partners. “Todd brings a wealth of knowledge from his years leading one of Wall Street’s largest equity research departments. His vast experience in investment research, information technology, compliance and human capital management will enhance the firm’s strategic and operational initiatives. From his decades working in the markets, Todd has developed a vast network of relationships with alterative investment managers and industry experts that we plan to integrate into our private investment platform.”

“Beyond his resume, Todd espouses WMS’ core values of authenticity, gratitude and humility, striving for quality and excellence consistent with the work we do for our client families,” said Martin Eby, Co-Founder of WMS Partners.

“WMS Partners’ distinct position in the wealth space and impeccable reputation are what initially attracted me to the firm, and I’m honored to be working with such an exceptional group of professionals,” said Wickwire. “As CEO, I look forward to working with Tim, Martin, Dave and the entire WMS team as we continue to build a service-centric firm delivering unique planning and investment solutions for our clients.”

Todd joined the firm in February as Chief Operating Officer and has moved to the CEO role as part of the firm’s strategic plan. Prior to joining WMS Partners, Todd was a managing director and Head of U.S. Equity Research at Wells Fargo Securities. As Head of Equity Research, a position Todd held for 20 years, he led a team of 200 professionals, including 50 senior equity analysts advising institutional investors across the U.S. and Europe. Todd’s responsibilities included oversight of stock and sector investment ratings as well as important administrative functions encompassing HR, finance, IT, legal, compliance, and media relations. He also served on several governance committees, including as Chairman of the firm’s Transaction Screening Committee and as a voting member of the firm’s Underwriting Commitment Committee. Todd’s career includes previous positions in investment banking and institutional equity sales at Alex. Brown & Sons and J.P. Morgan Securities.

Todd is also an adjunct professor at the Sellinger School of Business at Loyola University, and a Board Member of the Catch a Lift Fund, a charity that sponsors programs benefitting wounded veterans. He earned an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

About WMS Partners: Founded in 1993, WMS Partners (www.wms-partners.com) is the largest independent wealth management firm in the Baltimore region, built on an “Open Family Office” philosophy that brings sophisticated wealth planning advice, investing and other services to a wide circle of clients. WMS Partners manages more than $4 billion in client assets, with more than 60 employees.