Published on Business Wire on April 29, 2026  

Alaris Acquisitions Names Tony Leonard Managing Director of Business Development

April 29, 2026

Tony Leonard

Alaris Acquisitions has appointed Tony Leonard as managing director of business development, creating a new leadership role as the firm expands its sell-side advisory platform for registered investment advisors navigating succession and consolidation.

Leonard will lead growth initiatives, originate new advisory mandates and deepen relationships with RIA owners nationwide, the company said. His arrival comes as mergers and acquisitions activity remains elevated across the independent wealth management industry.

The RIA market has seen sustained deal volume in recent years as founders weigh succession plans, seek scale or partner with larger firms offering capital, technology and operational support. That environment has increased demand for specialized advisers focused on transaction strategy and buyer matching.

Leonard brings nearly 30 years of experience across the retirement and wealth advisory markets, with a background spanning M&A advisory, due diligence, consulting and direct investing.

Before joining Alaris Acquisitions, he served as vice president at MidCap Advisors, where he advised retirement and wealth management firms on strategic transactions. He also previously held a managing director role at Wise Rhino Group.

Earlier in his career, Leonard worked with SEI Investments, Putnam Investments, New York Life Investment Management and OneAmerica Retirement Services.

Leonard said Alaris has built a reputation for relationship-driven advisory work and a clear understanding of what RIA owners need when considering a transition.

Founder and chief executive officer Allen Darby said Leonard’s market relationships and knowledge of RIA industry dynamics make him well suited to support the firm’s next growth phase.

In his new role, Leonard is expected to oversee outreach to high-quality advisory firms, advance the company’s benchmarking initiatives and work with senior advisers on transaction origination and execution.

Alaris Acquisitions said it has completed nearly 60 transactions over the past year, including partnerships involving Modern Wealth Management and Brown and Company, The Family Firm and Beacon Pointe, and Aveo Capital with Carson Group.

The company also recently introduced Lens, an artificial intelligence-driven matchmaking platform designed to improve cultural and financial alignment in transactions, and launched a Buyer Portal intended to help prospective acquirers present their firms in a more transparent, data-focused format.

According to the firm, more than half of recent engagements came through referrals from past clients, reflecting strong word-of-mouth demand in a relationship-oriented sector.

As the wealth management industry moves away from pure auction-based sale processes toward more selective and culturally aligned partnerships, firms like Alaris Acquisitions are positioning themselves as strategic advisers rather than conventional intermediaries. Leonard’s hire underscores that shift as competition for quality RIA mandates intensifies.

Alaris Acquisitions Names Tony Leonard Managing Director of Business Development | citybiz