METUCHEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Investment Partners Asset Management (IPAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Investment Partners Group (Group), announced a series of leadership changes to drive growth and strengthen its management succession planning.
Frank Abella, Jr., founder and Chairman of Group, commented, “We believe these changes will help us continue to drive transformation of our business and demonstrate the strength of our bench. If the Covid-19 experience has taught service businesses anything, it is that a well-thought-out succession plan is essential to ensure continuity. This outcome is the result of a great deal of time and consideration, taking into account the interest of both our firm and its valued clients.”
Effective January 1, 2021, Gregg T. Abella will become IPAM’s Chief Executive Officer. In addition to heading the firm’s compliance team, he will be responsible for overseeing all advisory client engagements, portfolio activities and planning IPAM’s future growth.
Frank Abella, Jr. added, “During his twenty-two years with IPAM, Gregg has spearheaded a number of initiatives, which include our evolution from an investment management firm to one that additionally provides highly personalized, comprehensive wealth management services. He has exhibited the leadership qualities, care, and competence to carry IPAM through the next phase of its growth as an independent advisory firm.”
IPAM is also pleased to announce that earlier this year Robert (Bob) J. Voccola, CFA, joined the firm as a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager. Bob began his investment career as a securities analyst for Clark, Dodge, and Company. Subsequent positions included Senior Vice President at Bernstein-McCaulay Inc., a division of Shearson Lehman / American Express, and Director of Research and Chief Investment Officer at Barrett Associates Inc., at that time a division of Legg Mason Inc. He brings decades of experience as an astute, fundamental analyst of companies generally characterized as Growth at a Reasonable Price or GARP. Bob is a graduate of Lehigh University, holds a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst designee.
Gregg Abella said, “We are thrilled to add Bob to the team as he is a seasoned professional with a keen perspective in an important segment of the equity markets. In traditional Value-style investment firms, GARP is a key strategy which we have employed when constructing client portfolios. We are looking forward to having Bob’s skills augment our firm’s research talents and capabilities.”
IPAM also announced the following changes effective January 1, 2021:
Frank J. Abella III (Jay) will become IPAM’s Senior Vice President and Co-Principal in charge of Equity, ETF and Fund Research. Jay will also remain CEO and President of affiliate Investment Partners Capital & Management (IPCM), exploring new revenue opportunities outside of the firm’s traditional advisory business, and he will focus on Venture Development for Investment Partners Group.
Thomas Shepherd will become Senior Vice President in charge of Planning and Institutional Relationships, and he will continue as a vital member of the compliance team. Tom has over thirty years as a financial professional, and is in his twelfth year at IPAM.
Brian Brown of IPCM will become IPAM’s Chief Data Analytics Officer and Operations Manager. Brian brings his quantitative skills, futuristic planning talents, and inquisitive nature to bear on our personalized client wealth management services.
Frank Abella, Jr. concluded, “I am so proud of each member of our management team, and I celebrate their accomplishments. While I will remain a portfolio manager at IPAM, my role as Chairman of Group will be to focus on acquiring the needed talent and resources to support future growth on a number of fronts that complement our advisory practice. I look forward to our next successful chapter.”
About Investment Partners Asset Management
IPAM is an independent registered investment management firm, which adheres to a combination of value investing, and Growth at a Reasonable Price - seeking to exploit inefficiencies created by fluctuations and volatility of securities prices to obtain long-term investment gains. Founded in 1995, IPAM manages investments for individuals and families, businesses, and non-profit organizations addressing client objectives and applying their comprehensive approach balanced with research and insight. For more information about IPAM, please visit www.investmentpartners.com.
