Robert Melle Joins Peapack Private as Senior Managing Director to Expand Wealth Management Presence in Manhattan

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. 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, bringing over 25 years of financial industry experience to the role.

Melle's extensive background includes expertise in wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory services. His capabilities extend to lead generation, product development, and solution implementation, complemented by strong skills in relationship management, negotiation, and risk mitigation. This appointment represents Peapack Private's continued investment in top-tier talent to serve high-net-worth clients in the competitive Manhattan market.

The new senior managing director joins Peapack Private from Charles Schwab, where he served as Vice President and Financial Consultant, delivering comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His previous experience includes distinguished positions at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services, all based in New York. Throughout his career, Melle has overseen asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million.

Melle's professional achievements include consistent ranking in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and 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. His educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in business management from Adelphi University, along with professional certifications as a 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.

Peapack Private Bank & Trust, with total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, continues to strengthen its position in the wealth management sector. The bank's client-centric approach to banking provides high-quality products along with customized wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking solutions. Additional information about the institution's services can be found at https://www.peapackprivate.com.

This strategic hire signals Peapack Private's commitment to expanding its Manhattan footprint and competing effectively in the high-net-worth wealth management space. The appointment of an experienced professional with Melle's track record demonstrates the bank's focus on delivering sophisticated financial solutions to clients in one of the world's most competitive financial markets. The move may influence hiring trends among regional banks seeking to establish stronger presence in major financial centers while providing enhanced service options for wealthy clients in the New York area.