Cresset Appoints Susie Cranston as CEO in Leadership Transition

Cresset announced the appointment of Susie Cranston as its new chief executive officer, succeeding outgoing CEO Mark Smith, who will transition to a senior advisory role. Cranston brings over 18 years of experience in wealth management and client services, having most recently served as chief operating officer at a regional financial advisory firm with $15 billion in AUM. Her appointment underscores Cresset’s focus on operational scalability and client-centric innovation as it expands its footprint across the Midwest and Southeast U.S. markets. The firm manages approximately $28 billion in assets, serving 7,500 high-net-worth individuals and family offices. With the leadership change, Cresset aims to strengthen its digital advisory platforms and deepen its ESG integration strategies, initiatives that align with growing client demand for sustainable investment solutions. The company has also outlined a three-year growth plan targeting a 22% increase in AUM by 2029. While the shift in leadership is notable for Cresset’s internal governance, the move is not expected to impact broader financial markets. The firm operates as a non-public entity with no direct exposure to public equity trading, and its business model remains insulated from macroeconomic indicators such as the S&P 500 or VIX volatility index. The transition is being managed with minimal disruption to client services, and the board has confirmed full continuity of existing investment strategies. Cranston’s appointment follows a comprehensive internal succession process and reflects the firm’s commitment to long-term stability and performance. As of 2026, Cresset maintains a team of 240 advisors and support staff across 14 offices, with a focus on personalized financial planning and multi-generational wealth transfer solutions.