Raymond James Financial Names Kirk Bell Independent Contractor Division President

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) named Kirk Bell president of Raymond James Financial Services Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) named Kirk Bell president of Raymond James Financial Services Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1, 2026. Bell joins the firm’s Senior Leadership Team and Private Client Group Executive Leadership Team to lead ICD’s advisor partnerships and growth efforts.

Bell succeeds Shannon Reid, who resigned in December, and RJFS Interim President David Sisemore will resume divisional leadership through fiscal year-end, then serve as consultant until his planned retirement in December 2026.

Positive

• Kirk Bell promotion effective April 1, 2026
• Bell joins Senior Leadership Team and PCG Executive Leadership
• Leadership continuity with Sisemore through fiscal year-end and consulting

Negative

• Prior ICD president Shannon Reid resigned in December

Argus Mar 19 session

+0.37% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – RJF

On Mar 19, the first trading day after this news, RJF closed 0.37% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 19 session.

Market Context

This announcement centers on leadership continuity and succession within Raymond James’ Independent ...

Analysis

This announcement centers on leadership continuity and succession within Raymond James’ Independent Contractor Division, naming a long-tenured executive to the president role effective April 1, 2026. Set against recent strong financial results, record client assets, and ongoing advisor recognition, it reinforces an advisor-focused strategy. Investors may watch subsequent disclosures for how this leadership change influences advisor growth, client asset trends, and broader Private Client Group performance.

Key Figures

Firm tenure: 26 years ICD presidency effective date: April 1, 2026 Retirement date: June 30, 2026

Firm tenure

26 years

Kirk Bell’s time with Raymond James

ICD presidency effective date

April 1, 2026

Date Kirk Bell becomes president of ICD

Retirement date

June 30, 2026

Planned retirement of Tom Cicchini referenced in recent history

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 19

5 events

1. Feb 19

   Dividend declaration

   24h Move

   +0.1%

   Announced quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share with April payment.

2. Feb 17

   Wealth acquisition

   24h Move

   -0.4%

   First Northern Advisors acquired Beacon Wealth Strategies while preserving RJF accounts.

3. Feb 17

   Advisor ranking

   24h Move

   -0.4%

   RJF advisor Lisa Detanna ranked #1 in California on Forbes’ Top Women list.

4. Feb 13

   Advisor recognition

   24h Move

   +0.8%

   Lisa Detanna named to Forbes 2026 Top Women Wealth Advisors national ranking.

5. Jan 28

   Earnings results

   24h Move

   -0.4%

   Reported record client assets and strong Q1 2026 revenues, income, and fee assets.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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St. Petersburg, Fla., March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raymond James today announced that Raymond James Financial Services Independent Contractor Division (ICD) Division Director Kirk Bell has been named president of ICD, effective April 1. In this role, Bell will join Raymond James’ Senior Leadership Team and the Private Client Group’s (PCG) Executive Leadership Team as he leads ICD’s efforts to deepen advisor partnerships and strengthen its growth trajectory.

“Over his nearly 26 years with the firm, Kirk has embodied Raymond James’ culture and values and consistently led from a people-first approach,” said PCG President Tash Elwyn. “He has spent decades helping advisors achieve their goals with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that define the independent advisor experience, and I’m confident that under his leadership the business will continue to excel.”

Bell succeeds Shannon Reid, who resigned in December to pursue another opportunity after nearly two decades with the firm.

“Supporting and providing guidance to independent advisors has long been a passion of mine, and I’m honored to be selected as president of ICD,” Bell said. “I look forward to drawing on decades of experience and best practices as I meet advisors and their staff across the country, partner with the firm’s strong leadership teams and work with ICD associates to build on our momentum and continue to be the destination of choice for financial advisors.”

RJFS Interim President and Division Director David Sisemore will resume his divisional leadership role through fiscal year end, then serve in a consulting capacity until realizing his long-term retirement plan in December.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. Total client assets are $1.80 trillion. Public since 1983, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.

Media Contact: Steve Hollister
Raymond James Financial
727.567.2824

Investor Contact: Kristina Waugh
Raymond James Financial
727.567.7654

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Who is Kirk Bell and what is his new role at Raymond James (RJF)?

Kirk Bell was named president of the Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1, 2026. According to the company, Bell has nearly 26 years with Raymond James and will join the Senior Leadership Team and PCG Executive Leadership Team to lead ICD growth and advisor partnerships.

When does Kirk Bell assume leadership of RJF's Independent Contractor Division?

Kirk Bell assumes the ICD presidency on April 1, 2026. According to the company, his appointment places him on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team and the Private Client Group Executive Leadership Team immediately.

Why did Shannon Reid leave the Independent Contractor Division at Raymond James (RJF)?

Shannon Reid resigned from the ICD in December to pursue another opportunity. According to the company, Reid departed after nearly two decades with the firm and Bell was named her successor.

What is David Sisemore's role following the ICD leadership change at Raymond James (RJF)?

David Sisemore will resume divisional leadership through fiscal year-end, then serve as a consultant until planned retirement in December 2026. According to the company, Sisemore had been acting as RJFS Interim President and Division Director.

How might Kirk Bell's promotion affect independent advisors at Raymond James (RJF)?

Bell's promotion signals continued focus on advisor partnerships and growth within ICD. According to the company, he intends to meet advisors nationwide and leverage decades of experience to build on ICD momentum and service offerings.