Bell Institutional Investment Management (BIIM), a leader in investment solutions for insurance companies, foundations, private clients, family offices and more, is expanding its strategic leadership.

Greg Sweeney, who has led BIIM’s investment team as chief investment officer for the last 21 years, is stepping into a new role as chief investment and economic strategist. Zac Wanzek, who has served as deputy chief investment officer since 2021, is transitioning to the chief investment officer role.

“This is an exciting evolution for Bell Bank Wealth Management and Bell Institutional Investment Management,” said Patrick Chaffee, Bell’s executive vice president for banking, wealth management and insurance. “Zac and Greg’s partnership and expertise will help drive BIIM’s growth for years to come.”

As chief investment officer, Zac will lead BIIM’s strategic investment efforts, working to ensure that BIIM continues to be a market leader providing best-in-class investment expertise to Bell’s institutional and wealth management clients. Zac joined Bell in 2012 as a portfolio manager, and has served as deputy CIO for the last four years in addition to serving on the BIIM investment and wealth management committees. Prior to joining Bell, Zac spent several years in public accounting, and as a consultant for insurance companies and other financial institutions across the country.

In Greg’s new role, he will continue to work closely with clients and provide guidance, support and mentorship to BIIM’s portfolio management team, while still contributing thought leadership in the form of his popular monthly, quarterly and annual economic outlooks.

“With this transition, Greg and I will be able to capitalize on our respective strengths and expertise,” Zac said. “I look forward to continuing to work side-by-side to support BIIM’s strategic direction.”

Building on Momentum

In recent years, Bell Bank Wealth Management has experienced significant growth, having reached over $10 billion in client assets on the firm’s books. As the firm’s client base has grown, so too has the BIIM team – increasing to 15 investment professionals with a broad depth of experience and credentials.

Greg and Zac’s new leadership roles will help BIIM build on that recent momentum, Greg said.

“The team has never been stronger, and this positions our organization well for our next phase of accelerated growth,” he added.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Later this year, Greg will mark 40 years of experience in the financial services industry and 33 years with Bell. He’s begun looking ahead to an eventual retirement, and this change is a gradual step in that direction, he said.

“The timeline for my retirement is still years away, but we’re making this transition with that future in mind,” Greg added. “Today, though, I’m excited to work with Zac to build on the success of our team and our department, and to provide the high level of investment service that our clients have come to expect.”

This article was published in the Q2 2025 issue of the Bell Wealth newsletter.