Eric Johnson
Managing Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(310) 788-2148(310) 788-2148
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Eric W Johnson
Managing Director, Private Wealth Management,
Private Wealth Advisor
Direct:
(310) 788-2148(310) 788-2148
My Mission Statement
We help high achieving, entrepreneurially minded families and individuals realize their personal and professional ambitions.
Our Story
A boutique wealth management practice within a global financial leader, our team works with a select clientele of Southern California entrepreneurs and executives. Our clients have built and monetized successful enterprises in the technology, health care and other growth industries. They have created exceptional opportunities for themselves and their families and now face complex, multigenerational planning challenges. We deliver the experienced perspective and dedicated resources needed to make informed financial decisions and put them into action.
Led by Eric Johnson, our team is now in its 24th year at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. The relationships we have built enable us to deliver whatever expertise is needed to realize your personal and professional ambitions. We’ll work closely with your tax and legal advisors to optimize your tax, trust and estate planning. We’ll develop holistic strategies that encompass every aspect of your financial life: investments, lending, philanthropy and far more. You can count on us to serve as the close family advisors you can rely upon to protect your privacy and address your needs.
We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help your realize your vision of a successful life. To begin that conversation, please contact us.
Thanks to the trust our clients have placed in us, Eric Johnson was included among Forbes Best-In-State Advisors for 2021 and 2022
"2021-2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award."
Led by Eric Johnson, our team is now in its 24th year at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. The relationships we have built enable us to deliver whatever expertise is needed to realize your personal and professional ambitions. We’ll work closely with your tax and legal advisors to optimize your tax, trust and estate planning. We’ll develop holistic strategies that encompass every aspect of your financial life: investments, lending, philanthropy and far more. You can count on us to serve as the close family advisors you can rely upon to protect your privacy and address your needs.
We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help your realize your vision of a successful life. To begin that conversation, please contact us.
Thanks to the trust our clients have placed in us, Eric Johnson was included among Forbes Best-In-State Advisors for 2021 and 2022
"2021-2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award."
Securities Agent: UT, VA, NJ, SD, NV, FL, GA, DC, TX, NY, MN, NH, MI, MD, CA, AZ, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278787
CA Insurance License #: 0K21112
NMLS#: 1278787
CA Insurance License #: 0K21112
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Who We Serve
Entrepreneurs
The majority of our client relationships began when a successful entrepreneur was in the early stages of preparing for a merger, acquisition, IPO or other significant liquidity event. These are exciting and demanding times when numerous priorities compete for your attention and the need for experienced guidance is particularly acute. Our role is to help ensure that you make well-informed and timely decisions.
Life Stages of a Successful Entrepreneur
No matter where you are in the development of your enterprise, we have the experience needed to help you address the complex, multifaceted challenges of building and monetizing a successful enterprise.
Link to Life Stages of a Successful Entrepreneur placemat
Pre-IPO Planning
While you focus on the multifaceted demands of taking your enterprise public, we ensure that you take timely actions to pursue your personal wealth management goals in a tax-efficient manner.
Link to Pre-IPO Planning Placemat
Executives
Over the past 20 years, we have worked with a select group of talented executives who have complex financial needs and extreme demands on their time. We understand how to integrate complex incentive compensation packages into holistic, multigenerational wealth management plans, and we have extensive experience helping corporate leaders diversify highly concentrated equity plans.
Link to Corporate Executives Brochure
Investment Management
We offer various different investment strategies with asset allocation to help clients invest. With leveraging the tools of Morgan Stanley, are dedicated to help clients achieve their investment goals.
Tax Planning
When dealing with Ultra High net worth, that comes with a high tax liability. We leverage Morgan Stanley tools to help individuals mitigate some of that tax liability by actively using tax loss harvesting strategies.
Estate Planning
We work closely with clients to thoroughly explore factors relevant to existing or future estate structures and strategies. By striving to ensure that clients wealth is sustainable.
Philanthropy
Our team is dedicated to understand the clients philanthropic goals. Keeping asset allocation in mind, we donate to specific charities that are the most tax efficient .
Location
1999 Ave Of The Stars
Ste 2400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
US
Direct:
(310) 788-2148(310) 788-2148
Meet My Team
George Felstiner
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(310) 788-1709(310) 788-1709
About Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson - Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Drawing on nearly three decades of wealth management experience, Eric Johnson advises high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives on all aspects of their complex financial lives. Eric and his team tailor truly comprehensive plans that encompass asset allocation, investment management, and tax-efficient strategies to transfer wealth and maximize philanthropic impact. He has worked with many clients on their pre-IPO financial planning, tax-efficient diversification of concentrated stock positions, and the strategic use of debt.
Eric recently celebrated his 24th year as a Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisor. The long-standing relationships he has cultivated within the firm enable him to tap the talent and specialized resources needed to meet his clients’ personal and professional needs. Given the entrepreneurial nature of his client base, this often includes introductions to Morgan Stanley's investment bank for IPO and M&A advice. Thanks to the trust his clients have placed in him, Eric was recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Advisor in 2021 and 2022
Eric began his career in the Private Client Group at Merrill Lynch after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1990 with a degree in economics. He relocated to San Francisco four years later to join the Investment Services Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ), before joining Morgan Stanley in 2000.
Eric lives in Santa Monica, California and has two wonderful college-age children, Alexander and Camille. In his free time, he is an avid road and gravel cyclist. He also enjoys photography, scuba diving, and reading books on psychology.
"2021-2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award."
Drawing on nearly three decades of wealth management experience, Eric Johnson advises high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives on all aspects of their complex financial lives. Eric and his team tailor truly comprehensive plans that encompass asset allocation, investment management, and tax-efficient strategies to transfer wealth and maximize philanthropic impact. He has worked with many clients on their pre-IPO financial planning, tax-efficient diversification of concentrated stock positions, and the strategic use of debt.
Eric recently celebrated his 24th year as a Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisor. The long-standing relationships he has cultivated within the firm enable him to tap the talent and specialized resources needed to meet his clients’ personal and professional needs. Given the entrepreneurial nature of his client base, this often includes introductions to Morgan Stanley's investment bank for IPO and M&A advice. Thanks to the trust his clients have placed in him, Eric was recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Advisor in 2021 and 2022
Eric began his career in the Private Client Group at Merrill Lynch after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1990 with a degree in economics. He relocated to San Francisco four years later to join the Investment Services Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ), before joining Morgan Stanley in 2000.
Eric lives in Santa Monica, California and has two wonderful college-age children, Alexander and Camille. In his free time, he is an avid road and gravel cyclist. He also enjoys photography, scuba diving, and reading books on psychology.
"2021-2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award."
Securities Agent: UT, VA, NJ, SD, NV, FL, GA, DC, TX, NY, MN, NH, MI, MD, CA, AZ, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
CA Insurance License #: OK21112
CA Insurance License #: OK21112
About George Felstiner
George Felstiner joined Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in 2023. He previously interned at Blackstone in their infrastructure tax division, and at The Stanton Foundation as a Program Analyst. His contributions to the team include day to day administrative, operational, and trading activities.
George holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Psychology from Northeastern University. George holds the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. He was born and raised in Santa Monica and currently resides in Venice. He enjoys basketball, volleyball, and gardening.
George holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Psychology from Northeastern University. George holds the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. He was born and raised in Santa Monica and currently resides in Venice. He enjoys basketball, volleyball, and gardening.
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Sean Todd
Associate Private Banker
About Sean Todd
Sean Todd is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Sean began his career in financial services in 2000, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Private Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Sean lives in Los Angeles, California with his family.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Sean began his career in financial services in 2000, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Private Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Sean lives in Los Angeles, California with his family.
NMLS#: 634213
Private Wealth Management
Professional Insights
On the Markets
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates and their employees (including Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors) are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any statements contained herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
2Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures
2Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)
