Vice President, Equity Research, Wealth Management Solutions

We’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of year-end 2024. Our team of 22,000 people across 19 countries serves more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager, and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses – Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

About the role

The Vice President, Equity Research position will lead and evolve the equity research function supporting Wealth Management Solutions and the Investment Research Group. The role sets research standards, manages analyst coverage, develops research talent, and ensures research output directly supports portfolio construction, security selection, monitoring, model changes, and advisor-facing communication. In this highly visible leadership role, you will shape research strategy, develop a high-performing team of analysts, and ensure investment insights directly influence portfolio construction, security selection, and advisor guidance. You will play a critical role helping build scalable research capabilities that support growth, investment excellence, and client outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the equity research team, establishing clear expectations for research quality, coverage responsibilities, performance, and professional growth.
• Define and oversee research methodologies, standards, and quality controls across investment recommendations, financial models, valuation frameworks, and written research publications.
• Direct equity coverage strategy, including sector assignments, analyst onboarding, succession planning, and continuity of coverage during the transition to the new portfolio management structure.
• Partner closely with portfolio managers and cross-functional stakeholders to align research priorities with portfolio construction, governance, compliance, product, and advisor engagement needs.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, and talent pipeline efforts to build a scalable research organization capable of supporting future business growth.
• Oversee advisor-facing research content, market commentary, webinars, and investment communications to ensure consistency, relevance, and regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of equity research experience, including expertise in fundamental analysis, financial modeling, valuation, and investment thesis development, with 5+ years leading research analysts or investment professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field; Master of Business Administration, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, or advanced degree preferred.
• Series 86/87, 65, 66, or other applicable licensing/registration, or ability to obtain required licenses within an established timeframe.
• Experience within asset management, investment advisory, separately managed account, institutional investment, or equity research environments; experience supporting portfolio implementation structures is preferred.
• Strong ability to scale research processes, establish governance standards, and drive high-quality investment decision support across a growing platform.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, portfolio managers, advisors, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Pay

The estimated base salary for this role is $196,700 – $270,000 per year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role.

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances.

Schedule

Full-time, exempt.