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John Thiel
Executive Advisor | Board Director
John Thiel is a prominent figure in the financial services industry, currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Cohen & Steers Income Opportunity REIT, Inc. He has a distinguished career that spans nearly three decades, primarily with Merrill Lynch, where he held significant leadership roles, including Head of Wealth Management from 2011 to 2016. During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming the company's approach to wealth management and significantly increasing its revenue and profitability.13
Professional Background
- Merrill Lynch: Thiel spent 27 years at Merrill Lynch, where he led initiatives that shifted the firm towards goals-based wealth management. He successfully grew revenue from $12.5 billion to $15 billion and reduced advisor attrition rates to historic lows.13
- Current Roles: In addition to his position at Cohen & Steers, Thiel serves on the boards of Franklin Templeton and Decker Communications. He is also the Chairman of Don’t Ever Give Up, Inc., which is affiliated with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he has played a key role in fundraising efforts.14
- New Ventures: In late 2024, Thiel announced the launch of an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm named Indivisible Partners, aimed at providing a new model for financial advisors seeking greater autonomy and support.35
Educational Contributions
Thiel is actively involved in educational initiatives as well. He was elected as a Trustee at Florida State University in 2020 and has been recognized for his contributions to the institution's mission and stakeholder engagement.14
Personal Insights
Thiel emphasizes a culture of caring in his professional endeavors and is dedicated to social impact work, particularly in cancer research and financial literacy for underserved populations. His leadership style focuses on building trust and fostering strong relationships within teams and with clients.12
Overall, John Thiel's extensive experience in financial services, combined with his commitment to social causes and education, positions him as a respected leader in both corporate governance and community engagement.


