Dave Barton, Mercer Advisors' Head of M&A, Retires

By John Manganaro

Career Moves October 21, 2024 at 03:25 PM

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Mercer Advisors announced Monday that Dave Barton, its long-term executive and current head of mergers and acquisitions, has retired.

Barton's retirement is immediate, a spokesperson confirmed via email correspondence with ThinkAdvisor, and he stepped away to focus on his health. Martine Lellis, principal of M&A partner development, will take on his responsibilities.

Barton joined the company in 2000 as general counsel, with subsequent roles as chief operations officer and president. He became CEO in 2008 and held that role through 2017, when he stepped down to serve as lead of M&A as vice chairman.

During Barton's tenure heading M&A efforts, Mercer inked 89 announced deals representing over $41 billion in assets under management — including the $4.4B acquisition of Regis Management Company in 2022. He departs with more than 40 deals in the pipeline.

"I am deeply proud to have played a role in Mercer Advisors' substantial evolution and growth over the past 25 years," Barton said in a statement. "I remain a committed shareholder with a strong belief in the company's mission and future. I have full confidence in the company and my colleagues as they partner with advisors to help them achieve the success they envision for their firm."

Pictured: Dave Barton

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