Focus Financial Partners Appoints Veteran Technologist Mark Israel as Chief Technology Officer to Lead Enterprise-Wide Digital Transformation
Focus Financial Partners Inc., a leading partnership of independent wealth management, business management, and related financial services firms, has announced the strategic appointment of Mark Israel as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective May 27, 2025. This move signifies a critical juncture in Focus’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its technological capabilities and digital infrastructure as it aims to redefine both client and advisor experiences through innovation.
Mark Israel brings more than three decades of experience at the intersection of financial services and technology transformation. His appointment comes at a time when Focus is prioritizing a comprehensive technology overhaul to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving advisory landscape. As CTO, Israel will be responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s forward-looking technology roadmap, encompassing everything from digital wealth platforms and client-facing tools to internal infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity measures.
The announcement was made by Michael Nathanson, CEO of Focus Financial Partners, who emphasized Israel’s pivotal role in driving innovation and operational excellence across the enterprise.
“Along with advice, service, and talent, technology is at the very core of what we do at Focus, enabling our advisors to serve clients and deliver experiences that are not only exceptional but also convenient and deeply personalized,” said Nathanson. “Mark’s expertise and broad experience shaping and executing large-scale transformational technology strategies will be critical in accelerating our efforts to become the leading fiduciary advice company in the world. Having him on our team reflects our commitment to client excellence, and we are confident that he will make an immediate and lasting impact at and through our company.”
Visionary Leadership for a New Technological Era
Reporting directly to Justin Ferri, Chief Operating Officer of Focus Financial Partners, Mark Israel will assume leadership over a team of seasoned technology professionals. Together, they will advance a unified technology vision for the organization—one that integrates digital platforms, data intelligence, and seamless client interfaces with the human insights that define high-quality advisory relationships.
Israel’s mandate extends across all aspects of the firm’s digital transformation journey. This includes designing scalable infrastructure, modernizing legacy systems, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, and exploring innovative applications of AI and machine learning to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Of particular interest is his directive to tighten the integration between the firm’s technology capabilities and its core advisory functions, thereby empowering advisors to deliver more dynamic, data-driven, and tailored solutions to their clients.
“Mark is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of successfully implementing transformational technology programs for leading firms within the financial services space,” said Ferri. “As we look to accelerate growth, expand capabilities, deliver greater value, and improve operational efficiencies across our organization, we are pleased to have an executive of Mark’s caliber leading the charge.”
A Proven Track Record of Innovation
Prior to joining Focus, Israel served as Executive Vice President for Technology and Transformation at Fisher Investments, where he led numerous modernization initiatives designed to improve client engagement, operational effectiveness, and long-term scalability. Under his guidance, Fisher implemented enterprise-level improvements in digital channels, integrated data architectures, and automation technologies.
His earlier experience includes a distinguished tenure at PwC, where he served as a Partner in the Asset and Wealth Management practice. In that role, he worked with major institutions to design and implement cutting-edge technology strategies, focusing on platform modernization, regulatory compliance, and digital innovation. His leadership in this space helped several large financial organizations reimagine the delivery of wealth management and fiduciary services in an increasingly digital-first world.
Israel has also held senior technology leadership positions at Sapient Global Markets and Charles River Development, where he oversaw mission-critical systems for trading, portfolio management, and risk analysis. Across all these roles, he developed a reputation for strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and a deep understanding of both the technological and human dimensions of wealth management.
“Technology is, and will increasingly be, a powerful enabler of success, and I am excited to join Focus during such a pivotal time in its evolution,” said Israel. “I look forward to working with Focus’s talented team to deliver and implement a strategy that supports the company’s mission and helps unlock new opportunities for innovation across the organization.”
A Strategic Transition in Technology Leadership
Israel succeeds David Fike, who retired on April 30, 2025, following a distinguished career as a technology leader. Fike played a central role in building and unifying Focus’s IT organization, fostering a collaborative culture across headquarters and the Focus Partners division, and laying the groundwork for the company’s current digital ambitions.
Under Fike’s leadership, Focus developed a high-performing information technology environment that attracted top-tier talent and established strong foundational systems across the firm’s diverse network of partner firms. Israel is expected to build on this legacy while guiding the company into its next phase of growth through technological excellence.
A New Chapter in Focus’s Strategic Evolution
The appointment of Israel as CTO aligns with Focus Financial Partners’ broader growth strategy, which includes scaling its platform, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation across its ecosystem of partner firms. As the financial services industry continues to evolve—with client expectations rising and digital tools becoming more integral—Focus is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of fiduciary advice and relationship-based service.
Focus operates as an interdependent partnership of over 85 entrepreneurial wealth and business management firms. These firms benefit from shared resources, intellectual capital, and a centralized operational framework, all while maintaining the independence and autonomy that allow them to best serve their clients. Israel’s technology leadership is expected to further empower these firms by providing cutting-edge tools and systems that enhance their ability to grow, adapt, and deliver value.
