Focus Financial’s Succession Strategy Underway With Birenbaum Replacing Nathanson as CEO
Focus Financial Partners Inc. (Nasdaq: FOCS) – a partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms with more than $520 billion in collective client assets – has announced that Adam Birenbaum has been named the company’s incoming chief executive officer, as well as a member of its board of directors, effective Feb. 1, 2026. He will succeed Michael Nathanson, who will transition into the role of chairman and continue to serve on the board. The firm said the change implements a succession plan designed by Nathanson and the board as part of the company’s long-term growth and leadership strategy.
Birenbaum currently serves as president, a role he assumed in April 2025, and concurrently holds the position of CEO of Focus Partners Wealth. As Focus’s CEO, he will lead the execution of the firm’s strategic priorities, including fostering collaboration and consolidation across the Focus partnership to drive capabilities and services.
“It has been my privilege to lead and guide Focus through the most recent phase of its evolution,” said Nathanson. “Now that a strong foundation and clear strategy is in place, after consideration with the board, we determined that Adam is uniquely positioned to lead the organization through the next phase of its growth. Adam is a greatly admired and highly respected leader with an impeccable track record of building and leading key strategic initiatives at Focus.
Birenbaum is a longtime executive within the wealth management industry, known for building and scaling advisory businesses through both organic and acquisition-driven growth.
He began his career at a small St. Louis-based registered investment adviser, later renamed Buckingham Strategic Wealth, which at the time managed or administered less than $1 billion in assets. At age 31, Birenbaum assumed leadership of the firm and went on to guide its growth to nearly $75 billion in assets, establishing Buckingham as a prominent RIA in the industry.
Birenbaum is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Saint Louis University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor.
“[Adam’s] unique skillset, combined with his strong character and commitment, will serve Focus well in the years ahead,” added Nathanson. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO, and I look forward to supporting this transition and continuing to contribute to our mission in my new role as chairman.”
Dan Glaser, executive chairman of Focus and operating partner of Focus’s majority investment partner, CD&R, concluded: “This transition executes on the thoughtful succession plan we have long envisioned. Adam has been a key partner in advancing our strategic priorities, and he is the right leader to build on the foundation Michael set. Michael’s leadership has been central to shaping the evolution of Focus. … The momentum we’ve achieved and the opportunities ahead reflect the strength of the organization he has led.”
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