Zank is Raymond James COO

ST. PETERSBURG -- Raymond James Financial Inc. (symbol: RJF) named Dennis Zank its new chief operating officer this week.

Zank moves from his former position as president of Raymond James & Associates, the firm's brokerage subsidiary, into a leadership role with the parent company. Zank first joined Raymond James in 1978 as an accountant, and became controller in 1982. He has been leading Raymond James & Associates' Private Capital Group for nine years.

Tash Elwyn will take over for Zank as president of Raymond James & Associates Jan. 3, according to Raymond James Financial CEO Paul Reilly.

Another of the St. Petersburg-based firm's subsidiaries, Raymond James Financial Services, will soon realize a change in leadership as well. Dick Averitt, CEO of RJFS since 2002, will resign in 2012.

Scott Curtis is set to succeed Averitt as president of Raymond James Financial Services Jan. 3, the company says.

Raymond James Financial stock appreciated more than 5% in early Monday trading, to a price of roughly $27.50 per share. The company generated $3.4 billion in 2010 revenues.