8-K: SEI Founder West Steps Down, Guarino Named Chairman

SEI Investments Company announced the resignation of founder Alfred P. West, Jr. as Executive Chairman, appointing Carl A. Guarino as his successor, and declared a $0.52 per share dividend.

Summary

• Alfred P. West, Jr., founder of SEI Investments Company, resigned as a member of the Board of Directors and as an officer, effective January 1, 2026.
• Mr. West will transition to a non-voting Chairman Emeritus role, providing continued guidance, direction, and support to the company.
• Carl A. Guarino, an independent director, was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026.
• The Board size was reduced from nine members to eight, also effective January 1, 2026.
• The Board declared a cash dividend of $0.52 per share, payable January 12, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 29, 2025.
• Mr. West founded SEI in 1968, served as CEO for 54 years, and as Executive Chairman since 2022.
• As of September 30, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.8 trillion in assets and has more than $2.1 billion in annual revenues.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is positive due to a smooth, planned leadership transition, the founder's continued advisory role, and the declaration of a dividend. There are no negative financial or operational disclosures.

Positives

• A smooth, planned leadership transition with the founder, Alfred P. West, Jr., remaining involved in an advisory capacity as Chairman Emeritus.
• Appointment of Carl A. Guarino, an experienced independent director, as non-executive Chairman of the Board, enhancing corporate governance.
• Declaration of a $0.52 per share cash dividend, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
• The company's strong financial position, managing, advising, or administering approximately $1.8 trillion in assets and generating over $2.1 billion in annual revenues.

Future Outlook

The company anticipates continued operational and strategic success, building on its strong foundation with new leadership. Management expressed confidence in the new leadership team to usher in a new era of innovation and success and deliver long-term value for clients, employees, and shareholders.

Management Comments

• "Over 50 years ago, I founded SEI with the mission to use technology to transform the financial sector and create a dynamic, team-oriented work environment. In the decades since, I'm proud to say I have had the privilege of working with thousands of talented employees, clients, and partners, all of whom have helped make this ambitious dream a reality. I'm deeply grateful to and have full faith in Carl, Ryan, and the rest of the Board and leadership team as they work to build on this strong foundation and usher in a new era of innovation and success. I look forward to following their continued success and supporting SEI from the sidelines as its forever biggest fan." Alfred P. West, Jr.
• "Al is a true visionary and his passion for not only embracing change, but leading it, has been the foundation of SEI's success. From my first day as an SEI intern almost 30 years ago to now serving as CEO, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of Al's collaborative leadership, deep humility, and courage to think differently, and he will remain a close advisor and mentor to me. His values underpin everything we do here at SEI and have helped establish us as the global leader we are today. On behalf of the Board and all our team members at SEI, I want to thank Al for his lifelong dedication and leadership and wish him the best in his retirement." Ryan Hicke, CEO
• "In addition, we are excited to welcome Carl to the role of Chairman. He is a proven leader in our industry, and I look forward to working closely together and benefiting from his guidance as we continue to transform SEI for the future." Ryan Hicke, CEO
• "It's an honor to step into the role of Chairman and build on the legacy Al has created. I have tremendous respect for SEI's team, commitment to innovation, and trusted relationships with the clients we serve, having spent years as both an employee and director of our company. I look forward to continuing to work with Ryan and the rest of the team to deliver long-term value for our clients, employees, and shareholders." Carl A. Guarino, incoming Chairman of the Board

Industry Context

This leadership transition at SEI, a global financial technology and asset management services provider, reflects a common trend in mature companies where founders eventually step back, ensuring continuity through planned succession. The appointment of an independent director as non-executive Chairman aligns with best practices in corporate governance, emphasizing oversight and strategic direction in a dynamic financial services industry increasingly reliant on technology and scale.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• SEI's reported $1.8 trillion in assets managed, advised, or administered as of September 30, 2025, positions it as a significant player in the global financial technology and asset management sector, comparable in scale to large institutional asset managers and financial service providers.
• The planned succession of a founder, with the founder transitioning to an emeritus role, is a common and often well-regarded corporate governance practice seen in companies like Microsoft (Bill Gates), Oracle (Larry Ellison), and Starbucks (Howard Schultz), aiming to maintain institutional knowledge while bringing in new leadership perspectives.
• The appointment of an independent director, Carl Guarino, as non-executive Chairman aligns with modern corporate governance standards promoted by bodies like the SEC and institutional investors, which advocate for independent board leadership to enhance oversight and accountability, a practice adopted by many S&P 500 companies.

Management Changes

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Benefit from a declared cash dividend of $0.52 per share and a planned, smooth leadership transition which can reduce uncertainty.
• Employees: Experience continuity in leadership with the founder remaining in an advisory capacity and an experienced new Chairman, potentially fostering stability.
• Clients: Expected to continue receiving high-quality service and benefit from the company's ongoing commitment to innovation under new leadership.

Next Steps

• Alfred P. West, Jr. will serve as non-voting Chairman Emeritus of the Board, providing guidance.
• Carl Guarino will assume the role of non-executive Chairman of the Board.
• The Board will operate with eight members.
• The declared dividend will be paid on January 12, 2026.
• The company will continue to build on its foundation and usher in a new era of innovation and success.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing details a planned and smooth leadership transition, with the founder moving to an emeritus role and an experienced independent director taking over as Chairman. This, coupled with a routine dividend declaration, suggests stability and continuity rather than a significant catalyst for immediate price movement. There are no new financial performance metrics or strategic shifts that would warrant a strong buy or sell recommendation based solely on this filing. Investors should hold and monitor future financial reports and strategic updates.

Keywords

SEI Investments, SEIC, Alfred P. West Jr., Carl A. Guarino, Board of Directors, Executive Chairman, Chairman Emeritus, Dividend, Corporate Governance, Financial Technology, Asset Management, Leadership Transition