DALLAS - October 1, 2008 - 1st Global is proud to announce David Knoch as president and chief operating officer of 1st Global. As president, Knoch is responsible for the leadership and execution of all new and ongoing services for 1st Global's three core business units, including brokerage operations, insurance operations and fee-based asset management.

Tony Batman will retain the titles of chief executive officer and chairman of the board. In order to focus on strategic, key relationship management and business development roles as CEO, Batman will begin transitioning day-to-day management responsibilities over to Knoch. 

"This change in management is a function of our growth as a firm and signals a significant milestone in our continued maturation. It is critical for 1st Global's future success that I am able to focus on strategic elements while David assumes responsibility for our continued internal excellence, for which we have become renowned," stated Batman.

As a manager, executive and leader, Knoch has been an exceptional contributor to 1st Global's growth for over eight years. Most recently, Knoch served as vice president of sales and operations for 1st Global.

"David is a hardworking leader with little tolerance for anything other than exceptional performance. His commitment to wealth management excellence is unparalleled, and he has a powerful vision for delivering the capabilities needed to excel," said Batman.

"1st Global is poised for tremendous positive change," said Knoch. "I am excited about the opportunity to develop, lead and execute the new strategies and tactics necessary for our affiliated firms to succeed in enabling their clients to honor the important promises they make."

Knoch is an active member of the financial services industry. He currently serves as vice chair on the Financial Services Institute's (FSI) Marketing & Investment Advisory Council. In 2009, he will serve as chairman of this committee and on the FSI Board of Directors. Knoch is also a member of the Money Management Institute (MMI) Sponsor Council and Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) Performance Reporting Standards Task Force.