De Freitas reports to chief executive Larry Restieri. De Freitas will oversee Hightower’s operations, technology, enterprise AI strategy and investment platform and officially joins in the middle of the fourth quarter of this year, it said in a statement. 

Prior to this, De Freitas worked at Vanguard in senior leadership roles spanning client experience, digital transformation and technology. Before Vanguard, he spent 10 years at TD Ameritrade, where he led digital, client experience, investment products and advice. Earlier in his career, De Freitas spent eight years at McKinsey & Company advising organizations on strategy and transformation. 

The Chicago-headquartered firm also unveiled leadership appointments across Hightower Signature Wealth as the business approaches its first anniversary with more than $40 billion in assets under management. (Our US correspondent analysed this new business last year.)

Jennifer Frazier has been named president of Hightower Signature Wealth, leading the business’s strategy and expansion. Mike Hirsbrunner has been appointed chief operating officer of the business, and Penny Phillips, head of advisor growth for Hightower Signature Wealth, will focus on accelerating organic growth and enhancing the advisor and client experience.