Creative Planning Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Creative Planning has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, technology, information systems, and financial advisory.

Focused on delivering comprehensive wealth management, Creative Planning empowers clients through fiduciary-based financial planning, tax strategy, and integrated investment solutions to secure long-term prosperity.

Leadership Roles at Creative Planning

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Peter Mallouk
  • Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services - Abel Jaquez
  • Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader - Kristie Sams
  • Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance - Nathan Funke
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Knapp
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Nick Jacobson
  • Chief Technology Officer - Chatten Scruggs
  • Chief Information Officer, Virtual - Justin Tagtow
  • Chief Information Officer, Virtual - Justin Smock
  • Chief Information Officer, Virtual - Jordan Michaelsen
  • Peter Mallouk - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Mallouk, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Creative Planning, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Mallouk architects the firm's fiduciary-based wealth management model, ensuring that every client receives personalized financial planning and investment management. By overseeing the integration of tax strategy, estate planning, and business succession services, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's commitment to holistic financial health. Mallouk drives the expansion of the firm's national footprint, ensuring that individuals, families, and institutions receive consistent, high-quality advice. Through rigorous oversight of the firm's professional teams, Peter Mallouk guarantees that the organization remains at the forefront of the independent investment advisory industry. This leadership role involves constant refinement of service delivery models to meet the evolving needs of business owners and high-net-worth clients across the United States.

    Abel Jaquez - Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services

    Abel Jaquez, the Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services at Creative Planning, directs the sales strategy for specialized financial services. Jaquez architects growth initiatives for outsourced accounting, ERP implementation, and state and local tax (SALT) advisory. By overseeing the financial performance of these fractional services, the Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services ensures that business owners receive tailored, high-value solutions. Jaquez manages the sales pipeline, connecting clients with the firm's expertise in complex tax and accounting matters. This leadership role involves driving revenue through the expansion of specialized service offerings. Abel Jaquez drives market penetration by demonstrating the value of integrated financial solutions to institutional and business clients. Through strategic sales leadership, the Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services supports the firm's broader mission of providing comprehensive financial support.

    Kristie Sams - Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader

    Kristie Sams, the Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader at Creative Planning, directs the firm's internal financial health and operational strategy. Sams architects financial frameworks that support the firm's growth and service delivery. By overseeing strategic finance initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader ensures that the firm maintains its fiduciary standards while scaling operations. Sams manages the integration of operational workflows to enhance the efficiency of financial planning and investment management services. This leadership role involves providing high-level financial guidance to support the firm's long-term objectives. Kristie Sams drives operational improvements that allow the firm to serve individuals and business owners with greater precision. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader secures the firm's stability and capacity for continued innovation.

    Nathan Funke - Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance

    Nathan Funke, the Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance at Creative Planning, directs the firm's fiscal planning and virtual financial management operations. Funke architects financial strategies that ensure the firm's long-term sustainability and growth. By overseeing the virtual finance department, the Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance ensures that all financial reporting and budgeting processes are accurate and transparent. Funke manages the allocation of resources to support the firm's comprehensive wealth management and investment advisory services. This leadership role involves providing financial oversight to ensure that the firm meets its fiduciary obligations to clients. Nathan Funke drives fiscal discipline by implementing efficient financial management practices across the organization. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance supports the firm's mission to provide integrated financial solutions to individuals, families, and business owners across the national market.
    Nathan Funke

    Jonathan Knapp - Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Knapp, the Chief Operating Officer at Creative Planning, directs the internal infrastructure and daily business operations. Knapp architects scalable processes that support the firm's extensive wealth management and investment advisory services. By overseeing the operational efficiency of the firm's financial professionals, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that client-facing teams deliver seamless, integrated financial solutions. Knapp manages the logistical framework required for complex services like business succession and estate planning. This leadership role involves optimizing workflows to maintain high standards of fiduciary care while supporting the firm's rapid growth. Jonathan Knapp drives operational excellence by implementing robust systems that enhance productivity and service quality. Through constant collaboration with the executive team, the Chief Operating Officer secures the firm's ability to provide consistent, high-level support to individuals, families, and institutions across the national market.

    Nick Jacobson - Chief Marketing Officer

    Nick Jacobson, the Chief Marketing Officer at Creative Planning, directs all brand positioning and client acquisition strategies. Jacobson architects comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's expertise in retirement planning, risk management, and family office services. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the firm's value proposition reaches target demographics effectively. Jacobson oversees the digital presence and communication channels, fostering trust with prospective clients and existing partners. This leadership role involves aligning marketing initiatives with the firm's broader growth objectives to increase market share. Nick Jacobson drives brand awareness through data-driven insights, ensuring that the firm's reputation for fiduciary-based advice remains prominent. By coordinating with other executive leaders, the Chief Marketing Officer maintains a cohesive narrative that reflects the firm's dedication to integrated financial solutions and personalized client care.

    Chatten Scruggs - Chief Technology Officer

    Chatten Scruggs, the Chief Technology Officer at Creative Planning, directs the development and maintenance of the firm's digital infrastructure. Scruggs architects secure, scalable technology platforms that enable the delivery of comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. By overseeing the integration of advanced software tools, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that financial professionals have the resources necessary to provide personalized, fiduciary-based advice. Scruggs manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive client data and maintain the integrity of the firm's financial systems. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance the firm's competitive edge in the wealth management sector. Chatten Scruggs drives innovation by streamlining digital workflows, which directly improves the client experience. Through strategic oversight of the technology department, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's mission to provide integrated financial solutions through modern, efficient, and secure digital channels.

    Justin Tagtow - Chief Information Officer, Virtual

    Justin Tagtow, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual at Creative Planning, directs the virtual information systems and remote data management strategies. Tagtow architects robust cloud-based solutions that facilitate seamless communication and data access for the firm's distributed team of financial professionals. By overseeing the virtual infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual ensures that all investment management and retirement planning data remains accessible and secure. Tagtow manages the implementation of virtual tools that support the firm's commitment to personalized, fiduciary-based advice. This leadership role involves optimizing remote operational capabilities to maintain high service standards for clients across diverse geographic regions. Justin Tagtow drives the adoption of advanced information technologies that enhance the firm's overall efficiency. Through continuous monitoring of virtual systems, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual guarantees that the firm's digital environment remains resilient and capable of supporting complex financial planning needs.

    Justin Smock - Chief Information Officer, Virtual

    Justin Smock, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual at Creative Planning, directs the firm's virtual information architecture and data security protocols. Smock architects secure, high-performance virtual environments that enable the firm's financial professionals to deliver consistent, fiduciary-based advice. By overseeing the virtual information systems, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual ensures that all client data related to retirement planning and investment management remains protected and readily available. Smock manages the deployment of virtual tools that streamline internal processes and enhance client communication. This leadership role involves aligning information technology with the firm's strategic goals to support a growing client base. Justin Smock drives the implementation of advanced virtual solutions that improve the firm's operational agility. Through constant evaluation of information systems, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual guarantees that the firm's digital infrastructure remains a reliable foundation for providing comprehensive financial solutions to individuals and institutions.

    Jordan Michaelsen - Chief Information Officer, Virtual

    Jordan Michaelsen, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual at Creative Planning, directs the firm's virtual information strategy and digital transformation efforts. Michaelsen architects scalable virtual systems that support the firm's extensive financial planning and investment management services. By overseeing the virtual information department, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual ensures that the firm's digital tools are optimized for both internal efficiency and client-facing service delivery. Michaelsen manages the integration of new information technologies that enhance the firm's ability to provide personalized, fiduciary-based advice. This leadership role involves driving the adoption of secure, high-performance virtual platforms that support the firm's national operations. Jordan Michaelsen drives the firm's digital evolution by identifying and implementing innovative information solutions. Through strategic oversight of virtual systems, the Chief Information Officer, Virtual guarantees that the firm remains a leader in providing integrated financial solutions through modern, reliable, and secure digital channels.
    Jordan Michaelsen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Creative Planning Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Creative Planning?
    Creative Planning is led by Peter Mallouk (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Abel Jaquez (Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services) and Kristie Sams (Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader).
    Who is part of Creative Planning’s executive team?
    The executive team of Creative Planning includes leaders such as Peter Mallouk (President & Chief Executive Officer), Abel Jaquez (Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services), Kristie Sams (Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Creative Planning have?
    Creative Planning has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Creative Planning’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Creative Planning includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Solution Sales Leader & Chief Financial Officer, Outsourced Accounting ERP SALT Fractional Services, Chief Financial Officer, Fractional Operational & Strategic Finance Advisor & Creative Planning Operations Leader, Chief Financial Officer & Virtual Manager, Finance, Chief Operating Officer.