Bernstein Private Wealth Management (Bernstein) has appointed Ashley Velategui as the head of its Wealth Strategies Group, succeeding Tara Popernik.

Velategui, who took on the new role on 9 May, has been tasked with heading a team dedicated to advising high net worth and ultrahigh net worth clients on comprehensive financial planning, philanthropy, and investment strategies.

Operating out of Seattle, Washington, Velategui will report to Bernstein Investments and Wealth Strategies head Alex Chaloff.

Meanwhile, Popernik is departing from the company to “pursue another opportunity,” Bernstein said in a statement.

Chaloff said: “Ashley is the natural choice for this important role at our firm. Her extensive experience and dedication have been instrumental in driving the rapid growth of our West Coast markets.

“Ashley is a strong leader, trusted by both clients and advisors, and an essential member of the advisory team managing complex relationships. Her appointment will enable us to further accelerate our wealth strategy business and help our clients to achieve their wealth goals partnering with our wealth advisors nationwide.”

With an 18-year tenure at Bernstein, Velategui has extensive experience in estate and tax planning.

Velategui joined the Wealth Strategies Group in 2011 and has most recently held the position of Planning Research national director since 2023.

She was instrumental in enhancing Bernstein’s planning tool, Wealth Forecasting System, the statement added.

Besides, she managed the recruitment, training, and development of the firm’s Wealth Strategies analyst team.

Commenting on the new role, Velategui said: “I am excited about taking on this leadership role at Bernstein. The calibre of intellect across our Wealth Strategies team and Bernstein is unparalleled.

“I look forward to continuing to help grow our platform and working with our wealth advisors to help clients navigate the complexities that come with having significant wealth.”

Based in Nashville, Bernstein Private Wealth Management operates as a business unit of investment manager AllianceBernstein.

With a presence across 26 countries and jurisdictions, AllianceBernstein has over $785bn in assets under management.