Melinda Hightower

Melinda (Mel) leads the multicultural segment in the Client Strategy Office (CSO). In this new role for Wealth Management USA, Mel is responsible for the firm’s forward-looking strategy to cultivate an inclusive investor experience and support the growth of multicultural financial advisors. Working closely with other senior leaders across the firm, she works to expand thought leadership, champion product and solutions innovation, and identify business opportunities.

Mel joined UBS from J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where she managed large client relationships and served as a trusted wealth management advisor to technology and health care entrepreneurs, executives, and investors. In addition, she drove engagement strategies for diverse prospects and clients as well as select firm diversity partnerships. Previously, Mel was a Vice President with ICONIQ Capital, a privately-held investment firm and family office. Prior to her work at ICONIQ, she was a member of the Tax Group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where her practice included counseling family offices and private foundations. She began her career in 2000 as a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mel has a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. A Detroit native, she currently lives in San Francisco.