Forvis Mazars Names New CIO for Wealth Advisory Unit
The firm appoints Kent Insley to lead its $13 billion advisory practice starting in June 2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Forvis Mazars has appointed Kent Insley as the new chief investment officer for its US Wealth Advisory practice. He is set to take over the role in June 2027 following the retirement of current CIO Jeff Layman.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions in wealth management indicate shifts in long-term investment strategy and portfolio oversight for firms managing billions in client assets. The appointment provides visibility into the firm's succession planning as it manages over $13 billion in assets.
The firm's US Wealth Advisory practice managed more than $13 billion in assets as of August 31, 2026. The incoming CIO brings over 25 years of investment leadership experience to the role.
The players
Kent Insley
An investment professional with over 25 years of experience who previously served as head of portfolio management at AlTi Tiedemann Global.
Forvis Mazars
A national firm with a major US wealth advisory division that manages more than $13 billion in assets.
Jeff Layman
The current chief investment officer of Forvis Mazars' US Wealth Advisory practice who is scheduled to retire in May 2027.
The details
Kent Insley, formerly the head of portfolio management at AlTi Tiedemann Global, joined Forvis Mazars in October 2026. He will lead the practice's investment strategy and portfolio management following a transition period working alongside Jeff Layman. The firm intends to maintain continuity through this multi-month handover process.
Timeline
August 31, 2026: Assets under management were measured.
October 2026: Kent Insley joined the firm.
May 2027: Jeff Layman will retire.
June 2027: Kent Insley will assume the chief investment officer role.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the industry-standard pattern of multi-quarter leadership handovers common in large wealth advisory firms. It highlights the sector's focus on maintaining client confidence during executive succession cycles.
Operators in wealth management should monitor how incoming leadership alters investment strategies and portfolio management structures. The scheduled transition period serves as a signal to review client communications and continuity plans well in advance of executive changes.
The takeaway
Large-scale wealth advisory practices typically utilize extended transition periods to preserve institutional knowledge and client relationships. Operators should review their own succession protocols for critical investment roles to ensure they provide similar long-term operational stability.
What happens next
Jeff Layman will retire in May 2027, with Kent Insley assuming the chief investment officer role in June 2027.
Further reading
For more on shifting roles within advisory firms, read the latest updates in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Accounting Bulletin.
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