Mariner, a national financial services firm, has strengthened its Mariner Independent platform with key leadership appointments to address increasing demand among financial advisors for flexible affiliation models and long-term monetization opportunities. The platform, which supports more than 1,100 advisors managing approximately $40 billion in assets, represents a core component of Mariner's growth strategy in the independent advisory space.
Rob Sandrew has been appointed as Head of Mariner Independent, bringing operational and strategic leadership experience to guide the platform's innovation and expansion. Sandrew previously served as chief growth officer at Integrated Partners, where he helped drive significant asset growth. Verne Marble joins as Managing Director, contributing distribution and leadership expertise from top financial services firms. Both executives have been added to the Mariner Independent Executive Committee to further the platform's evolution.
These leadership enhancements coincide with Mariner's robust growth, including strategic acquisitions such as Ocean Heights Advisors, which provides advisors with succession solutions and monetization opportunities within a comprehensive W-2 structure. This approach offers advisors upfront cash and equity along with a three-year earnout based on operating margins, demonstrating Mariner's commitment to supporting business autonomy while providing financial incentives.
Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the platform's success in meeting advisors' needs for independence combined with support for scaling their practices. Since its launch in 2020, Mariner Independent has offered a comprehensive suite of services including back-office support, practice management, and compliance resources, supported by a team of over 300 professionals. The platform's structure allows advisors to maintain independence while accessing the resources of a national firm.
For HR vendors serving the financial services and talent management sectors, Mariner's expansion signals continued industry movement toward flexible advisor affiliation models that balance autonomy with institutional support. The platform's growth to over 1,100 advisors and $40 billion in assets under management and advisement indicates substantial market demand for these hybrid models. Vendors providing recruitment, compensation, practice management, or compliance solutions should note the emphasis on long-term monetization pathways and succession planning, as exemplified by Mariner's acquisition strategy at https://www.marinerwealthadvisors.com.
The appointments of Sandrew and Marble reflect Mariner's dedication to advancing the independent advisor model by providing the tools and support necessary for advisors to thrive independently while benefiting from national firm resources. This development matters to HR industry vendors because it illustrates how financial services firms are adapting their talent models to attract and retain growth-minded professionals through flexible structures that address both immediate financial needs and long-term career aspirations. As more firms develop similar platforms, vendors may see increased demand for specialized HR solutions supporting these hybrid employment models.
