Peapack Private Strengthens Manhattan Presence with Veteran Wealth Manager Hire
Peapack Private Bank & Trust has appointed Robert Melle, a financial industry veteran with over $1.2 billion in asset management experience, to lead wealth management expansion in New York City, signaling strategic growth in the competitive high-net-worth market.
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack Private Bank & Trust have appointed Robert Melle as Senior Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor with the wealth management division, based at the firm's Park Avenue office in New York City. This strategic hire represents a significant move to expand the Bank's wealth management presence in Manhattan's competitive financial landscape. Melle joins a growing team of advisors focused on capturing market share in one of the world's most lucrative wealth management markets.
The appointment brings substantial experience to Peapack Private, with Melle boasting over 25 years in the financial services industry. His expertise spans wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory services. Throughout his career, Melle has overseen asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million. This track record positions him as a valuable asset in Peapack Private's expansion efforts, particularly given his consistent ranking in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and national placement in the top 5% for net asset growth.
Melle joins Peapack Private from Charles Schwab, where he served as Vice President and Financial Consultant, delivering comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His prior experience includes distinguished positions at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services, all based in New York. This extensive background in major financial institutions provides Melle with deep insights into the specific needs and expectations of Manhattan's affluent clientele.
The hiring decision underscores Peapack Private's commitment to strengthening its competitive position in the wealth management sector. With Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation reporting total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, the addition of Melle's expertise represents a strategic investment in growth. His certifications as a Certified Wealth Strategist and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, combined with his current enrollment in the Certified Financial Planner program at Kaplan Financial Institution, demonstrate the high level of qualification Peapack Private seeks for its expansion initiatives.
This appointment comes at a time when wealth management firms are increasingly competing for top talent to serve the growing high-net-worth market. Melle's proven ability in relationship management, negotiation, risk mitigation, and strategic process alignment aligns with Peapack Private's client-centric approach to banking. The firm's wealth management division offers comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary and investment advice to individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations. More information about the bank's services can be found at https://www.peapackprivate.com.
The original announcement was made through New Media Wire, and the full release can be viewed at https://www.newmediawire.com. Melle's appointment reflects the ongoing consolidation of talent in the wealth management industry as firms seek experienced professionals capable of navigating complex financial markets while maintaining strong client relationships. His move from a major player like Charles Schwab to Peapack Private suggests the growing appeal of specialized, client-focused institutions in the wealth management landscape.