Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack Private Bank & Trust have appointed Robert Melle as Senior Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor with the wealth management division. Based at the firm's Park Avenue office in New York City, Melle joins a growing team focused on expanding the bank's wealth management presence in Manhattan. This strategic appointment represents a significant move for Peapack Private as it seeks to strengthen its position in Manhattan's competitive wealth management landscape, where established players dominate the high-net-worth client market.
Melle brings over 25 years of financial industry experience to Peapack Private, having most recently served as Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab. During his tenure there, he delivered comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His career includes distinguished positions at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services, all based in New York. His track record includes overseeing asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million. His consistent ranking in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and multiple achievement awards demonstrate his proven capability in serving high-net-worth clients.
The appointment matters because it signals Peapack Private's commitment to expanding its Manhattan operations and competing effectively in the New York financial services market. Melle's extensive experience managing substantial client assets and his proven track record in financial consulting position him to contribute significantly to the bank's growth strategy in the region. His expertise spans wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory services. He is highly skilled in relationship management, negotiation, risk mitigation, and strategic process alignment.
Melle's credentials include a bachelor's degree in business management from Adelphi University, Certified Wealth Strategist designation, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certification, and current enrollment in the Certified Financial Planner program at Kaplan Financial Institution. The addition of such a qualified professional to Peapack Private's wealth management team reflects the bank's strategic focus on attracting top talent to serve the lucrative Manhattan market. Peapack Private Bank & Trust, with total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, offers comprehensive financial services through its website at https://www.peapackprivate.com.
The bank provides wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking solutions with a client-centric approach. Founded in 1921, the institution has built its reputation on customized services for individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations. Melle's appointment represents a calculated expansion strategy as financial institutions increasingly compete for high-net-worth clients in Manhattan, where wealth concentration remains exceptionally high. This move positions Peapack Private to leverage Melle's established relationships and expertise to capture market share in one of the world's most competitive financial services environments.
