Houston, Texas, December 4, 2025
Cresset, a Chicago-based investment firm, has strengthened its Houston operations by adding a seasoned wealth advisory team from Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Led by Michael Ellington, the team comes with nearly 30 years of experience and previous management of $1.4 billion in assets. This strategic expansion aligns with Cresset’s commitment to enhance wealth management services for ultra-high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs in the Houston market, following similar expansions from other institutions like Goldman Sachs.
Houston, Texas – Cresset, a Chicago-based multi-family office and private investment firm, has expanded its Houston office by adding a wealth advisory team formerly with Bernstein Private Wealth Management. This team, led by Michael Ellington, Zach Gardner, and Danique van der Velden, managed $1.4 billion in assets in their previous roles.
The team brings nearly 30 years of experience advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high-net-worth families. Their expertise includes pre- and post-transaction planning, public and private investment management, estate, and tax planning.
Cresset President Susie Cranston expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, highlighting the team’s commitment to creating enduring wealth and lasting legacies for clients. Michael Ellington, who founded Bernstein’s Houston office, emphasized the alignment between Cresset’s vision and their approach to serving families.
This move follows Cresset’s recent expansion efforts, including the addition of a wealth advisory team from Goldman Sachs in November 2025, which managed over $1.8 billion in assets.
Cresset, founded in 2017, has grown to manage approximately $65 billion in assets as of 2025. The firm’s Houston office is located at 2001 Kirby Dr, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77019. This strategic expansion underscores Cresset’s commitment to enhancing its presence in key markets and providing comprehensive wealth management services to its clients.
### New Team Members Join Cresset in Houston
The new team comprises Michael Ellington, Zach Gardner, and Danique van der Velden, who previously managed $1.4 billion in assets at Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
### Focus of the New Advisory Team
The team specializes in advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high-net-worth families, with expertise in pre- and post-transaction planning, public and private investment management, estate, and tax planning.
### Cresset’s Recent Expansion Strategy
Cresset has been actively expanding by recruiting experienced advisory teams, including the recent addition of a team from Goldman Sachs in November 2025, which managed over $1.8 billion in assets.
### Houston Office Location
The Houston office is located at 2001 Kirby Dr, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77019.
### Total Assets Under Management
As of 2025, Cresset manages approximately $65 billion in assets.
### Key Takeaways
As Cresset continues to expand and adapt to the needs of its clientele, this latest move indicates a strong commitment to the Houston market. By focusing on building comprehensive wealth management services, they are poised to support local business owners and families in achieving their financial goals.
Encouragingly, the arrival of seasoned professionals like Ellington, Gardner, and van der Velden adds a layer of expertise to Houston’s financial landscape, promoting entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new team members joining Cresset in Houston?
The new team comprises Michael Ellington, Zach Gardner, and Danique van der Velden, who previously managed $1.4 billion in assets at Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
What is the focus of the new advisory team?
The team specializes in advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high-net-worth families, with expertise in pre- and post-transaction planning, public and private investment management, estate, and tax planning.
What is Cresset’s recent expansion strategy?
Cresset has been actively expanding by recruiting experienced advisory teams, including the recent addition of a team from Goldman Sachs in November 2025, which managed over $1.8 billion in assets.
Where is Cresset’s Houston office located?
The Houston office is located at 2001 Kirby Dr, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77019.
What is Cresset’s total assets under management?
As of 2025, Cresset manages approximately $65 billion in assets.
### Key Features of Cresset’s Recent Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Team Members | Michael Ellington, Zach Gardner, and Danique van der Velden |
| Previous Assets Managed | $1.4 billion at Bernstein Private Wealth Management |
| Specialization | Advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high-net-worth families |
| Expertise Areas | Pre- and post-transaction planning, investment management, estate and tax planning |
| Recent Expansion | Addition of a team from Goldman Sachs managing over $1.8 billion in assets |
| Houston Office Location | 2001 Kirby Dr, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77019 |
| Total Assets Under Management | Approximately $65 billion as of 2025 |
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