“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.” — The Rolling Stones
Scott Stolz has built a remarkable career defined by leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to helping individuals and organizations achieve financial security and long-term success. With more than four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Scott has become widely respected for his deep expertise in retirement solutions, investment management, annuities, wealth planning, and operational leadership. His professional journey reflects not only a mastery of complex financial systems and advisory services, but also a rare ability to simplify challenges, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact across organizations and the clients they serve.
Throughout his career, Scott established himself as a transformational leader capable of bridging the gap between strategic vision and practical execution. His experience spans virtually every dimension of the financial services ecosystem, including sales, marketing, operations, customer service, advisor support, insurance solutions, mutual funds, alternative investments, and retirement income planning. This broad perspective allowed him to become a trusted advisor to executives, financial professionals, and institutions seeking sustainable growth and operational excellence in an increasingly evolving marketplace.
Scott’s foundation in finance began at Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and his MBA in Finance. Early in his career, he recognized that success in financial services required far more than technical expertise. It demanded empathy, discipline, communication, and the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while maintaining a relentless focus on client outcomes. Those principles would become the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy and guide him throughout his professional journey.
One of Scott’s earliest leadership roles came during his time at SunAmerica, where he served in several senior executive capacities, including Senior Vice President of Annuity Operations and Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager of Broker/Dealer Distribution. In these roles, Scott gained critical insight into the operational and distribution sides of the annuity business, developing strategies that improved efficiency, strengthened advisor relationships, and enhanced service capabilities. His ability to lead both people and processes positioned him as an executive capable of driving meaningful transformation in highly competitive environments.
Scott later continued expanding his operational expertise while serving as Vice President of Operations and Technology for North American Security Life and subsequently as Senior Vice President at Jackson National Life. At each organization, he earned recognition for modernizing customer service operations and improving organizational effectiveness. Scott became known as a problem solver who approached business challenges with both analytical rigor and practical wisdom. His leadership consistently elevated service standards and fostered cultures focused on accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
In 2005, Scott joined Raymond James Financial, where he would spend more than fifteen years helping shape one of the most respected financial services organizations in the industry. During his tenure, he held several prominent executive leadership positions, including President of the Raymond James Insurance Group and Senior Vice President of Private Client Group Investment Products. In these roles, Scott oversaw numerous divisions and product categories, including annuities and insurance, structured investments, mutual fund research, options, alternative investments, wealth solutions, retirement planning, and portfolio strategies.
At Raymond James, Scott became highly regarded for his ability to support financial advisors in solving complex client challenges. Whether implementing sophisticated retirement planning tools, streamlining advisor resources, or helping advisors navigate difficult client situations, Scott maintained a hands-on leadership style grounded in service and collaboration. He frequently emphasized the importance of asking “why?” and “why not?”—two questions that became central to his philosophy of innovation and continuous improvement. By encouraging curiosity and thoughtful problem-solving, Scott empowered teams to identify better solutions for advisors and clients alike.
Scott’s leadership extended well beyond operational management. He also emerged as a recognized thought leader within the financial services industry. Over the course of his career, he contributed to respected industry publications including Financial Advisor Magazine, ThinkAdvisor, Research Magazine, and Investment News. His writing focused on retirement income planning, annuities, insurance strategies, and advisor best practices, offering practical insights grounded in decades of real-world experience. He also authored the books Unlocking the Annuity Mystery: Practical Advice for Every Advisor and Rest-Easy Retirement, further solidifying his reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted voice in the retirement planning space.
In addition to publishing extensively, Scott has been an active speaker on retirement planning and income management topics throughout his career. His ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a relatable and understandable manner has made him a respected presenter among advisors, industry peers, and financial professionals. He understands that trust is built not only through expertise, but through clear communication and genuine connection with audiences seeking practical guidance and leadership.
Scott’s influence has also extended into governance and nonprofit leadership through his involvement with several boards and professional organizations. He has served on the Insured Retirement Institute Committee Board, LIMRA’s Secure Retirement Institute Board, and as a Board Trustee for The American College of Financial Services. In addition, Scott has volunteered extensively with the SunCoast United Way, participating in efforts that review and support agencies receiving community funding. These experiences strengthened his understanding of organizational oversight, governance strategy, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven leadership.
After retiring from Raymond James, Scott continued contributing his expertise to the industry as Managing Director at iCapital, a leading financial technology platform specializing in alternative investments and structured solutions. His transition into fintech leadership demonstrated his adaptability and willingness to embrace innovation even after decades of success in traditional financial services. Scott’s ability to remain forward-thinking throughout his career reflects a leader who continuously evolves alongside the industries he serves.
Now retired from full-time executive leadership, Scott remains deeply passionate about staying engaged and continuing to make meaningful contributions through advisory and board service opportunities. Former colleagues and industry professionals continue to seek his guidance and perspective, reflecting the respect and credibility he has built over more than forty years in the business. Scott is particularly interested in supporting organizations within financial services and related industries where he can help drive strategic growth, operational improvement, customer engagement, and long-term organizational success.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Scott is a devoted family man who values relationships, personal growth, and community. He enjoys golf, travel, softball, reading, good wine, and spending time with family and friends. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he also enjoys collecting sports memorabilia and remains an avid supporter of the University of Illinois athletic programs. His personal interests reflect the same balance, passion, and appreciation for connection that have defined his leadership style throughout his career.
Scott Stolz’s career stands as a testament to the power of experience, adaptability, and service-driven leadership. His broad industry knowledge, operational expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to helping others succeed have made him an invaluable leader within the financial services industry. As he transitions into the next chapter of his professional journey through board and advisory opportunities, Scott brings with him not only decades of executive leadership experience, but also the integrity, perspective, and collaborative spirit that organizations seek in trusted advisors and board members.
Character:
Scott Stolz demonstrates integrity and professionalism in every aspect of his leadership and decision-making. He has built a career centered on helping others succeed, whether through mentoring advisors, improving customer experiences, or guiding organizations through change. His commitment to service, accountability, and ethical leadership has earned him lasting respect across the financial services industry.
Knowledge:
He possesses an exceptional depth of expertise across retirement planning, investment management, annuities, wealth solutions, and financial operations. His experience spans both the manufacturing and distribution sides of the financial services business, giving him a uniquely comprehensive perspective. Through publications, speaking engagements, and executive leadership roles, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical, actionable solutions.
Strategic:
Scott approaches leadership with a forward-thinking mindset grounded in operational excellence and long-term growth. He has repeatedly led organizations and teams through transformation by identifying opportunities for innovation and implementing effective strategic solutions. His ability to align people, processes, and client needs has allowed him to create sustainable impact throughout his career.
Communication:
Recognized for his ability to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Whether speaking with advisors, executives, clients, or board members, he brings a collaborative and approachable communication style that builds trust and confidence. His experience as a speaker, author, and executive leader reflects his ability to inspire others while simplifying complex ideas into meaningful conversations.
