Joudrie highlighted some of the investments Conquest is making to pursue their goal. That includes investment into generative AI, which he noted would be an intentional pursuit of technology that adds to the value of their existing services. Their core engine, he says, is currently auditable and fully traceable, which is key for advisors. To maintain that traceability Conquest won’t be adding generative AI functions directly into their core calculation engine. However, he says that they will add generative functions around navigation to enable better communication between users and their engine.
Those generative improvements, he says, would allow advisors to answer questions more easily, finding specific pieces of a client’s retirement income plan, their cash flow, or their tax reporting. Joudrie stressed that these investments are part of a continuation of the work begun under Evans, in line with the firm’s core mission. He wants to see financial planning made more accessible to clients outside of higher net worth segments, stressing the value that can come when clients have a plan built early in their financial lives as they are paying down student loans, purchasing their first home, and beginning to save for retirement.
Joudrie stressed his time working closely with his predecessor, at both Conquest and Evans’ prior firm NaviPlan. His focus on the distribution and client service side of the business gave him a view to the firm’s overall strategy as well as a direct line to end users. In his role, Joudrie has been involved in customer feedback and ensuring that clients’ voices were heard and understood at the firm. He noted that he will continue to emphasize that level of service and communication in his new role as CEO. Evans, for his part, emphasized Joudrie’s qualifications.
“Since the moment I met Brad, I knew he had the vision and capability to be a transformative leader, and I couldn’t be happier to see him take this next step as CEO of Conquest,” said Evans in a statement. “We’ve been planning this transition for some time, and now is the right moment for Brad to lead Conquest into its next chapter.”
From a customer and end-user perspective, Joudrie says that there will be no immediate change. The mission, focus, and operations of the company will remain the same. The firm will invest further in their tech and toolsets, but Joudrie stressed continuity in this transition.
