Raymond James Names New Head of Advisor Inclusion Networks

Raymond James appointed Samantha Trebesch to be the new head of its Advisor Inclusion Networks as she takes on an expanded role at the company. She previously oversaw sustainable investing in the firm’s Private Client Group.

Trebesch has now taken on the role of senior vice president of both the inclusion networks and sustainable investing. She will work closely with AIN’s advisory councils to continue to refine and grow their diversity programs and initiatives, according to Kim Jenson, PCG chief operating officer.

As head of the Advisor Inclusion Networks, Trebesch will provide centralized leadership and corporate support to the established financial advisor networks for the Women, Black, Pride and Veteran communities, in partnership with their respective advisory councils, Raymond James said.

The networks provide advisors with a forum for sharing resources, strategies and ideas to enhance their businesses and serve the communities they represent. Each network hosts an annual symposium open to Raymond James financial advisors and others in the industry.

“Those who have had the pleasure of working with Samantha know the level of strategic thinking, excellence and passion she brings to every opportunity,” Jenson said in a statement.

As head of AIN, she is succeeding Renée Baker, who Raymond James said Monday “recently departed the firm to pursue other opportunities” after nearly four years in the role. Baker joined Raymond James in 2017 as the head of marketing for Carillon Tower Advisors; she also serves as a judge for ThinkAdvisor’s LUMINARIES recognition program.

“I will stay in the industry and continue to serve in the community,” said Baker in a statement. “I’m still very much dedicated to wealth building, increasing diverse representation within the financial services industry and the financial planning profession so that work and those efforts will continue in some capacity.”

Baker, who is taking some time off to plan her next professional endeavors, explained: “There is so much more to do. While I’m proud of the progress made and all of the great work I’ve done launching and leading the Advisor Inclusion Networks at Raymond James, I am excited for this next chapter for me, and I know the great work at the firm will continue with an amazing new leader at the helm.”

As for Trebesch, she began work at Raymond James in 2017 as assistant to the chairman after almost a decade of working in education. She later led the PCG Strategy and Planning team via various initiatives designed to enhance the advisor experience and create operational efficiencies before being named SVP, sustainable investing, the firm said.

In 2018, Trebesch co-founded the Raymond James Sustainable Investing Advisory Council. She is also national co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Inclusion Network for associates.

“In addition to the impact she’s had throughout her tenure at Raymond James, she consistently dedicates her time and talents to mentoring and advocating for others — qualities that will be an asset to the advisor networks,” Jenson added.

Raymond James Financial has about 8,700 financial advisors, with total client assets of $1.23 trillion.

–Janet Levaux contributed to this report.

Pictured: Samantha Trebesch