Manhattan West Promotes Jim McCoy to COO, Names Vik Sasi Chief Strategy Officer

Alternative investments veterans bolster Manhattan West’s leadership team as the non-traditional RIA continues to aggressively build its future-ready wealth management platform

Manhattan West, a global strategic investment firm, today announced the promotions of Jim McCoy, who assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer, and Vik Sasi, who is appointed Chief Strategy Officer. McCoy and Sasi join Manhattan West’s diverse and experienced leadership team alongside CEO and Founding Principal, Lorenzo Esparza.

“I truly believe that our dynamic team is what makes us world-class. I’m thrilled to congratulate Jim and Vik on their well-deserved promotions,” said Esparza. “As Manhattan West maintains its focus on alternative asset management and a technology-enabled future, I could not think of two better people to power our growth.”

Manhattan West differentiates itself from traditional wealth management firms with its in-house portfolio managers, who build and direct its bespoke alternative investment strategies in Private Equity, Venture Capital, Real Estate, Digital Assets and Private Debt. This modern approach to portfolio diversification has proven effective given the declines in equity and fixed income markets this year and is a key differentiator of the firm’s investment approach.

McCoy is appointed the firm’s new COO after serving as Executive Director – Investor Relations on Manhattan West’s Private Equity team for the past year and a half. In his new position, McCoy will play a key role in building out Manhattan West’s alternative asset management distribution strategies while continuing the evolution of its vertically integrated platform of services and investments. McCoy brings over two decades of financial services experience, having served as COO at several alternative investment firms following senior level roles at J.P Morgan and Bear Stearns. McCoy graduated with a double major, earning a B.A. in Business and English Literature from the University of Washington.

“Manhattan West is a truly unique place, and I’m grateful to Lorenzo and the rest of our top-notch team for cultivating and sustaining a highly collaborative, innovative business,” said McCoy. “Our people, strategy and culture are the backbone of our firm’s rapid growth and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of its continued evolution.”  

Sasi takes on the newly created CSO position after leading Manhattan West’s overall investment strategy in the blockchain and crypto economy as its Managing Director of Digital Assets. In his new role, Sasi will develop and implement strategic plans to build toward a technology-enabled future for Manhattan West’s comprehensive private wealth and alternative investments platform. He’ll also work closely with McCoy on critical growth initiatives. Sasi joined Manhattan West in July 2021 after several years in early-stage venture capital at premier firms including Dreamers VC, AmFam Ventures, Healthbox, and others. Previously, he served as a strategic advisor to the Ministry of Health in Haiti, where he lived for several years, starting as an analyst with the Clinton Foundation. He holds a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“Manhattan West is a veritable pioneer when it comes to embracing alternative investments — including digital assets — and bringing them to high-net-worth clients,” said Sasi. “I want to thank Lorenzo for this opportunity to build alongside our accomplished and highly intelligent team. I couldn’t be more optimistic for our shared future.”

In 2022, Manhattan West celebrates six years in business after Esparza broke away from J.P. Morgan to launch the firm. Since inception—buoyed by the maturation of its Private Wealth, Business Management, Tax and Alternative Investments verticals —Manhattan West has substantially grown its head count, AUM, and revenue year-over-year.