Two senior fundsters in the Golden State recently launched their own wealth management RIA. One of these fundsters hails from Pimco, and the other from Research Affiliates (a nearby and longtime Pimco ally).

Kevin Michael Winters Flatrock Wealth Partners LLC Managing Partner, Co-Founder

Earlier this year, Kevin Winters, former executive vice president at Pimco, and John West, former partner and executive board member at Research Affiliates, launched Flatrock Wealth Partners. (Like Research Affiliates and Pimco, Flatrock is based in Newport Beach, California.) Winters also served as a product strategist in alternative credit and private strategies at Pimco.

West was not immediately able to comment on this story. Winters did not return a call for comment.

A Pimco spokesperson confirms that Winters retired in October and will stay on as a consultant until the year's end.

The spokesperson writes, "Kevin spent the bulk of his career focusing on the RIA channel within U.S. GWM, where he helped to build a strong team, developed a robust network of client relationships and deep knowledge of the wealth management ecosystem."

"In his last five years at PIMCO," the spokesperson continues, "Kevin had played an integral role in leveraging that expertise in the product strategy group and establishing a strong partnership with U.S. GWM colleagues to help deliver quality alternative solutions to our clients."

On LinkedIn, Winters writes, "I am truly grateful for the experiences and relationships I have at PIMCO, from the talented portfolio management teams to my coworkers in product management and our clients. It has been an honor to work with and learn from so many bright and talented people, and to form many lifetime friendships."

Winters adds, "I have decided to retire from corporate life at PIMCO and will be leaving for my next chapter. My tenure has spanned an environment with significant growth in the industry, the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, and the pandemic that began in 2020."

"I have always been proud to engage with clients and represent PIMCO in creating solutions for client needs. At the heart of the financial industry is serving the client and I look to continue this servanthood!" he states.

In a separate post, West writes, "I'm unbelievably excited to take everything I've learned and apply it to create better financial outcomes for families like mine. Further, I'm psyched to partner on this journey with Kevin Winters, someone who I have admired personally and professionally for nearly 20 years."

"Together," explains West, "we've launched Flatrock Wealth Partners. Our mission is to blend this advanced knowledge base with financial technology and a fierce alignment of client interests to create the financial confidence that supports your best life."

Winters joined Pimco in 2006. Earlier, he was a VP with TCW and AllianceBernstein. He is an alumnus of the University of California Irvine and the University of Colorado Boulder.

West joined Research Affiliates in 2006. While there, he served in a variety of product, distribution, and model portfolio executive roles. Earlier, he was a vice president of research and a senior consultant for Wurts and Associates. West is an alumnus of the University of Arizona. 

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