In a move to expand its presence its internationally in the financial services marketplace, TowerGroup today announced that it has appointed John Stone to the role of managing partner, International Advisory Services. Greggory Kobelski, who currently serves as managing director, will assume Mr. Stone’s former role as partner-in-charge, Consulting Services, North America.
In his new London-based position, Mr. Stone will oversee all TowerGroup consulting and advisory operations outside of North America. He will also oversee the ongoing business development efforts of TowerGroup managing director, EMEA, Ole Skjodstrup. As partner-in-charge, Mr. Kobelski will lead TowerGroup’s consulting operations in North America from TowerGroup’s Needham, MA, headquarters.
“We are extremely pleased to have a talented and seasoned professional like John Stone at the helm of our efforts to enhance consulting and advisory operations globally,” said Mark Sievewright, president and CEO, TowerGroup.
“John has incredibly strong client and business development skills, as well as invaluable experience leading engagements outside the U.S.
He has successfully demonstrated his ability to meet client needs, and his out-of-the box thinking is exactly what is required to meet the needs of a global marketplace.”
Mr. Stone has more than 30 years of experience in helping financial services institutions assess and implement technology initiatives. He first joined TowerGroup in 1998 as partner-in-charge of Consulting/Advisory Services for North America. Prior to joining TowerGroup, he was a partner in KPMG’s Financial Services Consulting Group, where he worked for nearly 20 years with the management teams of various banking, thrift, investment services, credit union and insurance companies.
Mr. Sievewright added that TowerGroup is delighted to acknowledge the strong contribution Mr. Kobelski has made to Consulting. “Though John is a hard act to follow, Gregg was our obvious choice to take the reigns as partner-in-charge of Consulting Services for North America. Gregg is highly valued by our clients. We are proud to move him into a position of broader scope.”
Mr. Kobelski has more than 13 years experience in financial services and consulting, including developing product and marketing strategies, vendor and competitive assessments, process and organizational reengineering, and information technology strategic planning. Prior to joining TowerGroup, he was director of business analysis and technology at Fidelity Investments, and held various management positions in Fidelity’s retail and institutional companies.