Former Baird Arizona market branch manager brings three decades of operational excellence to independent advisor platform.
DENVER (June, 2025) – Excelsior Advisor Network today announced the appointment of Gene Pucci as national director of operations, a newly created executive position designed to support the firm’s continued growth and operational excellence. Pucci brings over 30 years of financial services experience, most recently serving as branch manager for the Arizona market at Robert W. Baird & Co., where he built a reputation as a forward-thinking and results-driven leader.
Pucci’s appointment, combined with the recent elevation of Mark Peterson to co-CEO, demonstrates Excelsior’s ability to attract seasoned executives from premier financial services firms. His expertise in operational excellence and commitment to continuous improvement will be instrumental as Excelsior scales its platform to serve a growing base of independent advisors.
“Gene’s appointment is critical to our growth strategy,” said Matt Curley, co-CEO and founder of Excelsior Advisor Network. “As we help more advisors transition to independence, operational excellence becomes paramount. Gene’s three decades of experience optimizing operations and developing strong relationships with associates and industry partners make him the ideal leader to ensure our platform can support ambitious advisors while maintaining the highest service standards.”
In his new role, Pucci will oversee all aspects of Excelsior’s national operations, including technology infrastructure, compliance systems, advisor onboarding processes, and ongoing support functions. His mandate includes designing and implementing scalable operational frameworks that maintain the personalized service and attention to detail independent advisors and their clients expect.
Pucci’s career has been marked by a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry best practices and operational innovation. His forward-thinking approach and results-driven leadership style have earned him recognition as an operational excellence expert within the financial services industry. He holds an MBA from Cleveland State University and maintains Series 7, 66, 9, 10, and 24 securities registrations.
“I’m excited to join Excelsior at this pivotal moment in the firm’s growth,” said Pucci. “The independent advisor movement is accelerating, and advisors deserve operational support that matches their ambitions. Excelsior has built an impressive platform, and I look forward to helping enhance and scale our operations to serve the next generation of independent advisors.”
Pucci’s transition from Baird to Excelsior reflects the growing recognition among industry veterans that the independent space represents the future of wealth management. His decision to join Excelsior’s leadership team validates the firm’s approach and strengthens its ability to attract high-caliber advisors seeking operational excellence and institutional-quality support.
“Gene’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to building world-class operations that enable advisors to focus on what they do best–serving their clients,” said Peterson. “His expertise in developing efficient operations and strong industry relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve our platform.”
The firm expects Pucci’s operational leadership to be particularly valuable as it continues to attract advisors from traditional wirehouses who expect sophisticated operational support and seamless client experiences. His proven ability to manage complex operational systems while maintaining strong relationships positions Excelsior for continued growth and success.
About Excelsior Advisor Network
Excelsior Advisor Network provides comprehensive support and resources to financial advisors building independent practices. The firm offers institutional-quality investment platforms, operational support, and business development resources that enable advisors to serve their clients with greater flexibility and focus. For more information, visit excelsioradvisor.com.