Erik Ridgley stands as the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Salem Partners Wealth Management, where he spearheads a seasoned team. Their core mission is to safeguard and enhance the financial well-being of their clientele. Ridgley’s extensive background includes his prior role as Managing Director, Head of Investments for the Western U.S. Region, and Senior Investment Counselor at Citigroup Private Bank. During his successful tenure at Citigroup, he oversaw a substantial $1.2 billion in investment assets for affluent families.
Before joining Salem Partners, Ridgley honed his investment expertise at Provident Investment Counsel (later acquired by Old Mutual) after graduating. There, he served as a buy-side equity research analyst and portfolio manager for pension plans and mutual funds. This buy-side perspective is a key differentiator for Salem Partners, emphasizing in-depth investment research and enduring, after-tax focused investment strategies. His experience includes countless due diligence meetings with top executives and consultations with Wall Street strategists.
Beyond Salem Partners, Mr. Ridgley is actively involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the Investment Committee and a Board member for the West L.A. County Council of Boy Scouts of America. His past board involvements include the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council and the UCLA Anderson Alumni Association, among others. A recognized voice in wealth management, Ridgley has been a speaker at numerous industry conferences and consistently featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s List of Leaders of Influence: Wealth Managers.
Mr. Ridgley’s academic foundation includes an MBA with highest honors from UCLA Anderson School and a B.S. from UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering. He holds the CFA designation and FINRA licenses. Residing in Bel-Air with his family, Ridgley’s personal interests include reading, sports, and family time. This blend of deep professional expertise and personal dedication underscores Salem Partners’ commitment to client success.
