Chief Operating Officer

Company Description

Darden Wealth Group specializes in providing a multi-family office approach to wealth management, designed specifically for entrepreneurs and business owners. With expertise in investment management, financial planning, risk management, business consulting, and tax planning. Our team creates tailored strategies to help clients preserve and grow their wealth. We emphasize building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and open communication. Our mission is to empower clients to achieve their financial goals while navigating the complexities of wealth management with confidence.

Based in Ann Arbor, MI, we proudly serve clients across 23 states nationwide.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee and optimize the firm’s operational strategy, compliance initiatives, and internal training programs. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a strong background in private equity, private credit, or investment banking who can drive scalable growth while ensuring regulatory integrity and operational excellence.

• Strategic Leadership & Execution
  • Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement strategic business plans.
  • Lead firm-wide initiatives to increase operational efficiency and scalability.
  • Evaluate and implement new service lines, technologies, or client offerings.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Implement and oversee regulatory compliance initiatives, ensuring alignment with SEC, FINRA, and other relevant authorities.
  • Maintain internal controls and ensure firm-wide adherence to legal and ethical standards.
  • Liaise with legal and compliance consultants as necessary.
• Training & Development
  • Design and implement internal training programs for new and existing employees to promote regulatory awareness, client service excellence, and business acumen.
  • Foster a performance-driven culture with continuous learning and professional development.
• Operational Oversight
  • Manage and improve the daily operations of the business, including finance, HR, IT, and client onboarding.
  • Work cross-functionally to develop KPIs, SOPs, and reporting tools to support growth and transparency.
• Private Markets Expertise
  • Apply knowledge of private equity, private credit, and/or investment banking to support investment strategy discussions and internal advisory processes.
  • Collaborate with the investment team on due diligence, product development, and client-facing initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, ideally within financial planning, private equity, private credit, or investment banking.
• Proven track record of leading compliance programs, operational transformations, and strategic initiatives.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations and risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.