Bernstein Private Wealth Management Appoints Ashley Velategui as Head of Wealth Strategies Group

Rhea-AI Summary

Bernstein Private Wealth Management, a unit of AllianceBernstein (NYSE: AB), has appointed Ashley Velategui as the new head of its Wealth Strategies Group, effective May 9, 2025. Based in Seattle, Velategui will lead a team advising high and ultrahigh net worth clients on financial planning, philanthropy, and tax planning, reporting to Alex Chaloff, Head of Investments and Wealth Strategies.

With 18 years of experience at Bernstein and previously serving as National Director of Planning Research since 2023, Velategui brings significant expertise in estate and tax planning. She will oversee the $137 billion Bernstein platform, succeeding Tara Popernik, who is departing after a 20+ year career. Velategui holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Whitman College and a CFA® designation.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced internal candidate with 18 years at the firm
• Continuity in leadership with strong background in estate and tax planning
• Oversees substantial $137 billion wealth management platform

Negative

• Departure of veteran executive Tara Popernik after 20+ years

NEW YORK and SEATTLE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Private Wealth Management (Bernstein), a unit of AllianceBernstein L.P. (NYSE: AB), today announced the appointment of Ms. Ashley Velategui as the head of its Wealth Strategies Group, effective May 9, 2025. In her new role, Ms. Velategui will lead a team of experienced professionals advising high net worth and ultrahigh net worth clients nationwide on all areas of financial planning, philanthropy, income and estate tax planning, and the investment implementation of these plans. Based in Seattle, Washington, Ms. Velategui will be reporting to Alex Chaloff, Head of Investments and Wealth Strategies, who has been leading the $137 billion Bernstein platform since 2023.

"Ashley is the natural choice for this important role at our firm," Chaloff stated. "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 18 years of experience at Bernstein, Ms. Velategui has been a key member of the Wealth Strategies Group, specializing in estate and tax planning. She joined the group in 2011 and most recently served as the National Director of Planning Research starting in 2023. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and ongoing development of Bernstein's Wealth Strategies analyst team, as well as enhancing the firm's essential planning tool, the Wealth Forecasting System.

Velategui added, "I am excited about taking on this leadership role at Bernstein. The caliber 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."

A native of Seattle, Washington, Ms. Velategui holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Whitman College and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation from the CFA Institute.

Tara Popernik, the former Head of Wealth Strategies, is leaving the firm to pursue another opportunity. Chaloff commented, "We express gratitude for Tara's contributions to Bernstein over her 20+ year career and for the success she has brought to clients. We wish Tara great success in the next chapter of her career and future endeavors."

About Bernstein Private Wealth Management

Bernstein Private Wealth Management advises ultrahigh- and high-net-worth clients on planning for—and living with—the complexities that come with significant wealth. Bernstein is distinguished among major wealth managers by its expertise in navigating life's transitions through a holistic approach. A flexible process—paired with innovative research, sophisticated modeling, and cutting-edge investment solutions—also set Bernstein apart. Headquartered in Nashville, TN Bernstein is a business unit of AllianceBernstein, which ranks among the largest investment managers in the world, with offices in major world markets across 26 countries and jurisdictions and over $785 billion in assets under management.

For additional information, visit Bernstein.com.

*As of March 31, 2025

Contact:

Katrina Clay
Director of Communications and Public Relations
katrina.clay@bernstein.com 

Prosek Partners
Pro-bernstein@prosek.com

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SOURCE Bernstein Private Wealth Management

FAQ

Who is the new head of Bernstein's Wealth Strategies Group?

Ashley Velategui was appointed as the new head of Bernstein's Wealth Strategies Group, effective May 9, 2025.

What is the size of the Bernstein wealth management platform (AB)?

Bernstein manages a $137 billion wealth management platform.

What is Ashley Velategui's background at Bernstein (AB)?

Velategui has 18 years of experience at Bernstein, most recently serving as National Director of Planning Research since 2023, specializing in estate and tax planning.

Who did Ashley Velategui replace as head of Wealth Strategies at Bernstein (AB)?

She replaced Tara Popernik, who left the firm after a 20+ year career to pursue another opportunity.

What are Ashley Velategui's qualifications?

Velategui holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Whitman College and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation.