News · Recruiting
Raymond James Taps Kirk Bell to Lead Independent Contractor Division
Raymond James has named longtime executive Kirk Bell as president of its Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1.
By David Roux
March 19, 2026
3 min read
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Raymond James has named longtime executive Kirk Bell as president of its Independent Contractor Division, effective April 1, elevating a nearly three-decade veteran to oversee one of the firm's key growth engines.
Bell, who currently serves as division director of Raymond James Financial Services, will take on the expanded role as part of both the firm's senior leadership team and the Private Client Group's executive leadership ranks. He succeeds Shannon Reid, who left the firm late last year to become president of Osaic.
The move formalizes Bell's leadership over a division that has been central to Raymond James' push to attract and retain independent advisors. The firm has continued to invest in its supported independence model as competition intensifies across the channel.
"Over his nearly 26 years with the firm, Kirk has embodied Raymond James' culture and values and consistently led from a people-first approach," Private Client Group President Tash Elwyn said in a statement. "He has spent decades helping advisors achieve their goals with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that define the independent advisor experience."
Bell said he plans to focus on strengthening advisor relationships and building on the division's recent momentum. "Supporting and providing guidance to independent advisors has long been a passion of mine, and I'm honored to be selected as president of ICD," he said.
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