Our Team

John W. Thiel

Head of U.S. Wealth Management and the Private Banking and Investment Group for Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management

In his dual role, Mr. Thiel is responsible for the strategic management of more than 13,000 Financial Advisors from Merrill Lynch's U.S. Wealth Management, as well as more than 300 Private Wealth Advisors from the Private Banking and Investment Group. He began his career with Merrill Lynch in 1989 as a Financial Advisor in Tampa, Florida, and later served as a Global Private Client Advisory Division Regional Director in two Chicago-area offices. He joined the Private Banking and Investment Group in 2000 and launched its private wealth management business in the Pacific West Region. He was named the Head of the group in 2006. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. Thiel led a distinguished career in the public accounting and insurance industries. His extensive background also includes tax and estate planning experience along with financial operating experience as a CPA with KPMG.

Phil Sieg

Head of Ultra High Net Worth Client Solutions & Segments

Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group

Mr. Sieg has devoted his career to client service, ascending from his initial position as a Financial Advisor in 1982 to his current leadership role in delivering intellectual capital and resources to PBIG's largest client relationships. He previously led the Global Private Client Strategic Leadership & Development Group, where he was responsible for a range of training, leadership development and practice management support functions. Mr. Sieg also was managing director of the Short Hills, N.J., Complex, World Financial Center Complex, and the International Private Client Group.