Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation has appointed Robert Melle as Senior Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor with the wealth management division of Peapack Private. Melle will be based at the firm's Park Avenue office in New York City, joining a growing team focused on expanding the Bank's wealth management presence in Manhattan.
The appointment signals Peapack Private's strategic push to capture market share in the competitive Manhattan wealth management landscape. Melle brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, having most recently served as Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab, where he delivered comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His prior experience includes distinguished positions at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services.
Melle's career accomplishments include overseeing asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million. He has consistently ranked in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and earned multiple Northeast Achievement and Key Contributor Stock Awards. Nationally, he has placed in the top 5% for net asset growth and is a recipient of the Chairman's Club Award.
The hiring is significant for Peapack Private's expansion strategy in New York City's competitive financial district. Melle's expertise spans wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory, complemented by capabilities in lead generation, product development, and solution implementation. His background in relationship management, negotiation, risk mitigation, and strategic process alignment positions him to drive the bank's growth objectives in the Manhattan market.
Melle holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Adelphi University and maintains several professional certifications including Certified Wealth Strategist and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. He is currently enrolled in the Certified Financial Planner program at Kaplan Financial Institution and maintains Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and Insurance licenses. More information about the bank's services can be found at https://www.peapackprivate.com.
This appointment comes as Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation reports total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025. The move strengthens Peapack Private's competitive position against larger wealth management firms operating in New York City and demonstrates the bank's commitment to expanding its high-net-worth client services in key metropolitan markets.
