The company has tapped Thomas Mayes to lead the new office. He comes to Calibre from Wachovia Wealth Management, the bank’s private-client unit, where he served the Palm Beach region for five years as managing director.

Calibre already has offices in Boston and Philadelphia and in Charlotte and Winston-Salem in N.C. Calibre targets families with at least $25 million in investable – a category variously called the “high-tier millionaire” group, the “ultra-high-net-worth” group or simply the “high-wealth” group. Calibre also has an investment-consulting unit with headquarters in Philadelphia.

Calibre's managing executive Daniel Prickett calls Mayes “a proven leader who can successfully establish our presence” in Florida’s ritzy south. “With his intimate knowledge of the market and passion for service, I'm confident that he and his team will build a loyal client base here.”

Meanwhile Mayes says experience tells him ultra-wealthy families can require more attention and demand than many of the “low-tier” or “mass” millionaires.

“I've become increasingly aware of the specialized services that ultra wealthy families demand,” he says. “In addition to institutional-quality investment consulting and family office services, we have a strong competency in family dynamics and governance.”

Other members of the Palm Beach office include advisors Diane McLaughlin and Charles Jandourek, senior client-service associate Carol Eckstein and executive associate Diane Buhler. –FWR

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