Los Angeles-based Cetera Financial Group hired Michael J. Ragunas as chief information officer. Regunas will report directly to Robert J. Moore, CEO of Cetera.

A Cetera spokesperson was not immediately available for further comment.

In his new role, Ragunas will be in charge of developing and enforcing technology strategy with a focus on supporting the rollout of the company's Advice Architect Ecosystem of technology-driven tools and platforms fueling its Advice-Centric Experience model for the future of retail financial advice.

"We're delighted to welcome to our team Mike Ragunas, who combines a passion for creating innovative technology strategies with a bias for action that generates impactful outcomes," Moore states.

He will also oversee all aspects of Cetera's information technology, telecommunications and other related systems.

"As excited as we are about the role Mike will play in the continued build-out of our Advice Architect Ecosystem platform, we're also looking forward to benefiting from his tremendous experience in so many other increasingly crucial areas of technology strategy, ranging from consumer privacy, to cyber security, to mobile enablement," Moore continues. "I'm looking forward to working with Mike, who will play a major role as a member of our senior leadership team in driving the solutions we need to reinforce our mission of transforming what it means to deliver retail financial advice."

With 25 years of experience in both the financial and retail technology industries, Ragunas most recently served as chief technology officer for Payfone, Inc. He previously served as chief information officer for Fanatics, Inc., and held multiple senior technology positions with Bank of America. Ragunas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies from Harvard University, where he graduated with honors.

"I'm very excited to join Cetera at such a pivotal time for both the Company and the broader financial advice industry," states Ragunas. "The significant strides the Company has made in developing and integrating innovative technologies to help transform the way financial advice is delivered is only the beginning of what I'm confident will be a remarkable strategic journey."

Ragunas is replacing Mukesh Mehta who most recently served Cetera Financial's chief investment officer.

Prior to his role at Cetera, Mehta served as chief information officer at TD Ameritrade. He previously worked as senior Vice President and chief investment officer for Schwab Institutional. Mehta earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Economics from Rutgers University, and an MBA from Stanford University.  

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