Cetera Names Avantax Executive to Head Corporate Development

Cetera Financial Group, a network of RIAs and independent broker/dealers, named mergers & acquisition (M&A) veteran Michael Molnar as head of corporate development.

Molnar previously oversaw corporate development, M&A, and succession planning at Avantax, a tax-focused wealth management firm that was acquired by Cetera Holdings in November 2023.

While at Avantax for four years, Molnar managed over 20 acquisitions that helped nearly double the size of Avantax’s employee-based RIA. Molnar will oversee the M&A team focused on acquisitions and succession solutions.

Molnar replaces Ken Bond, who is leaving Cetera to rejoin the insurance space, and will now lead the combined corporate development organization while working closely with Cetera Financial Group CFO Jeffrey Buchheister and Cetera Holdings CEO Mike Durbin.

“I couldn’t be happier to build on Cetera’s momentum by blending in the success we’ve had at Avantax,” Molnar said. “Cetera has multiple opportunities for growth and I look forward to working closely with Cetera’s leadership, board and our strategic partners at Genstar Capital to help Cetera realize its full potential.”

Prior to Avantax, Molnar was a buy-side investor, investment banker, sell-side equity analyst, strategy consultant and a CPA in public accounting. He has worked at Goldman Sachs, Accenture and Arthur Andersen.

Cetera oversaw over $475 billion in assets under administration and $190 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2023.