Alex David, Northeast division director at Raymond James\u2019 independent channel, will join Equity Services Inc., a Montpelier, Vt.-based independent broker\/dealer and registered investment advisor owned by National Life Group, as president and CEO, starting Dec. 16.\u00a0<\/p>\n
David succeeds Ata Azarshani, who will retire at the end of this year after a 40-year career in financial services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As part of the leadership shuffle, ESI has also named Brian Nelson as its head of growth strategy, a newly created role. Nelson joins from Atria Wealth Solutions, where he served as managing director and head of practice management. Atria was acquired by LPL Financial in 2024, and Nelson left the company in August<\/a> in the wake of the firm\u2019s integration. Prior to joining Atria, he founded Pratica Consulting, a consulting firm focused on advisor practice management, strategic consulting and sales strategy.<\/p>\n Azarshahi joined National Life Group in 2013 and has led major initiatives in strategy and business development and life and annuity solutions. He has run ESI since 2020.<\/p>\n \u201cAta\u2019s leadership has had a profound impact on National Life Group and the financial professionals and employees who had the honor of working with him,\u201d said Matt Frazee, executive vice president and CMO at National Life Group. \u201cHe has been instrumental in shaping ESI\u2019s strategy, strengthening its growth trajectory and deepening its commitment to our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n