Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack Private Bank & Trust announced the appointment of Robert Melle as Senior Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor with the wealth management division of Peapack Private. Based at the firm's Park Avenue office in New York City, Melle joins a growing team of advisors focused on expanding the Bank's wealth management presence in Manhattan.
The appointment represents a significant strategic move for Peapack Private as it strengthens its competitive position in the lucrative Manhattan wealth management market. Melle brings over 25 years of experience as a seasoned sales and service-driven professional with a strong record of driving business success through strategic financial planning and client advocacy. His expertise spans wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory, complemented by deep capabilities in lead generation, product development, and solution implementation.
Melle joins Peapack Private from Charles Schwab, where he served as Vice President and Financial Consultant, delivering comprehensive wealth management services and proactive relationship management to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His prior distinguished positions include roles at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services, all based in New York. This extensive background with major financial institutions positions him to effectively navigate the complex Manhattan wealth management landscape.
The significance of this appointment is underscored by Melle's substantial career achievements. Throughout his career, he has overseen asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million. His performance metrics demonstrate exceptional capability, having consistently ranked in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and earning multiple Northeast Achievement and Key Contributor Stock Awards. Nationally, he has placed in the top 5% for net asset growth and is a proud recipient of the Chairman's Club Award.
Melle's educational credentials and professional certifications further enhance his qualifications for this strategic role. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Adelphi University, is a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS®), a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and is currently enrolled in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) program at Kaplan Financial Institution. He maintains Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and Insurance licenses, providing comprehensive regulatory compliance for serving high-net-worth clients.
The move signals Peapack Private's commitment to expanding its wealth management services in the competitive New York market. With Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation reporting total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, the addition of Melle represents a strategic investment in talent acquisition to drive future growth. The bank's wealth management division offers comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary and investment advice and solutions to individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations. Additional information about the institution's services is available at https://www.peapackprivate.com.
This appointment comes at a time when wealth management firms are increasingly competing for top talent to serve the growing ultra-high-net-worth market in Manhattan. Melle's extensive experience managing substantial client assets and his proven track record in relationship management position him to effectively contribute to Peapack Private's expansion strategy. The firm's focus on customized and innovative wealth management solutions aligns with industry trends toward personalized financial services for affluent clients seeking comprehensive legacy planning and investment management.
