[Sly Fox]

From a news release:

Waddell & Reed Appoints Esh National Executive Director of Advisor Recruiting

New position created to engage highly experienced advisors
February 06, 2008: 08:00 AM EST

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Waddell & Reed, Inc., today announced that it has named Todd A. Esh as Vice President, National Executive Director of Advisor Recruiting. Esh, a veteran of two of the country's largest retail financial services firms, fills a new position at the company, one designed to help Waddell & Reed attract highly experienced financial advisors nationwide.

Esh's appointment is a reflection of the company's intent to significantly build its experienced advisor network in conjunction with its enhanced technology infrastructure as it pursues growth opportunities that have multiplied as more people seek personal, comprehensive financial guidance. Esh, 35, will report to Steven E. Anderson, Senior Executive Vice President, National Sales Manager for Waddell & Reed, Inc.

"Todd brings a tremendous skill and understanding of the market, as well as an insight into what makes advisors successful," said Anderson. "He is well known and respected, has spent more than 10 years working at major financial firms, and will help us attract experienced advisors through recruiting, coaching and training."

Most recently, Esh was with UBS Financial Services, where he was a manager and corporate vice president. At UBS, he focused on recruiting and managing three branches, where he increased average production per advisor by approximately 15 percent. From 1997 to 2003, Esh was with Morgan Stanley, where he started as a financial advisor and became sales manager, focusing on recruiting and training new advisors.

"Todd's efforts will strengthen and expand our recruiting program," said Thomas W. Butch, president of Waddell & Reed, Inc. "This in turn will support our ongoing effort to accelerate the growth of our Advisors business."

This initiative is being implemented in concert with Waddell & Reed's installation of a new brokerage platform that will be made available to certain existing Waddell & Reed advisors and to experienced recruits. The platform, powered by Pershing, LLC, is expected to be implemented fully early in the second quarter of this year.

"Waddell & Reed offers a wide range of planning tools, support services, the direct association with a top asset management firm, flexibility and a successful, familial culture," said Anderson. "Todd will allow us to convey that message effectively to the right people."

Esh graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point. He graduated from Officer's Basic course and was an Executive Officer in the United States Army from 1995-96. He received an MBA from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) and carries Series 7, 63, 65, 9, 10, 31 and 3 licenses.

Waddell & Reed, Inc. provides financial planning services to clients throughout the United States through its network of more than 2,300 financial advisors. Waddell & Reed, Inc. also serves as principal underwriter and distributor to the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds, W&R Target Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, Inc. It is a subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.