Wilsons Advisory announces merger with Statton Partners

Wilsons Advisory has announced Statton Partners will merge with the firm, operating collectively out of its Sydney office.

When Statton Partners transitions to the Sydney office over the coming months, firm employees Stuart Hudson, Todd Payne, Dyan Comino, and Annabel White will be joining the merged team.

Wilsons Advisory has also made two significant appointments to its private wealth division, bringing on James Byrne as the head of private wealth Melbourne and Michael McNair who will be joining the investment capability team.

Prior to joining Wilsons, Byrne was the vice-president for Morgan Stanley for two and a half years. He also previously worked as a wealth adviser for Canaccord Genuity Australia, a managing director for Finch Street Capital, and was a portfolio manager for K2 Asset Management.

McNair held the position of executive director, corporate advisory at Evans and Partners prior to joining Wilsons, and has also held roles at JBWere, CIMB Royal Bank of Scotland, and Macquarie Group, New York.

Wilsons head of private wealth Casimir Skillecorn said this merger further strengthens the firm’s position in the wealth sector and the services they provide.

“This merger is a strong endorsement of the strength of our client service capabilities, operating model, and growing presence. We look forward to our teams coming together and excited about the opportunity to expand our reach and breadth of services to Australia’s high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices,” Skillecorn said.

“I’m also delighted that James and Michael will be joining our private wealth team. James brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in private wealth management. James will work with our head of Melbourne Ted Richards to further grow and expand our Melbourne capability, in conjunction with his work as an adviser.

“Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we continue to grow and provide exceptional service to our clients and help our Melbourne team reach new heights.”

Several new advisers will also be joining the firm, including Mike Cooney in Sydney; Sean Lyons and Nick Cooper in Melbourne; Will Hanton, Ben Pierce, and Hilary Troy in Brisbane; and Sam Waldron joining the firm’s investment strategy group.

Additionally, the firm has announced its new partner admissions, bringing its total number of partners to 58. The latest additions include Wilsons’ head of advice, Matthew Nicholls, who joined the firm in 2023 from Morgan Stanley; senior sales trader, Joe Zhang, who joined the firm in 2023; associate research analyst Tom Canilleri; and Charlie Sayers, who joined the firm in 2022 as a result of the Chancellor Portfolio Services merger.

Wilsons chief executive Brad Gale said he is pleased to welcome the new partners to the firm.

“Partnership is a core pillar of our firm, positioning our people for success and a commitment to the long-term growth of our business. It also differentiates us in the marketplace, encouraging our people to invest in the careers of their colleagues, participate in shaping the future of the firm, as well as a focus on long-term relationships and client solutions,” Gale said.

“Being recognised as a partner is an important milestone – it reflects outstanding performance, a commitment to uphold excellent standards and supports our firm’s operating philosophy. I’m thrilled to welcome and congratulate Matt, Joe, Tom, and Charlie to the partnership.”