Glenmede’s Commitment to Colleagues, Clients, and Community

If you happen to find yourself on Market Street on a weekday morning, you might spot Peter Zuleba, President and CEO of Glenmede, walking to work with his wife, Kim, and their two dogs, Woody, a 155-pound Bernese Mountain Dog, and Lily, a 15-pound Shih Tzu. This is Peter’s daily commute to Glenmede’s headquarters at One Liberty Place. “We are quite the crew,” Zuleba said, laughing. “As you can imagine, Woody and Lily spark plenty of conversations, and I often find myself meeting new people on my way to the office.”

For Peter, this morning ritual is more than just his commute: It marks a shift in his lifestyle as he transitions from rural life to city living. After raising a family in southern Chester County, Peter and Kim have embraced the walkable charm of Center City. “It’s been an exciting change,” he said. “Living and working in Philadelphia means I’m part of its energy and constant evolution — there’s always something happening here and something new to experience.

With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry and after two decades at Glenmede, Peter now leads the firm as CEO. His vision for Glenmede is clear: create a people-first environment that supports clients, employees, and the community. “As we grow and evolve,” Zuleba said, “our commitment to Philadelphia and the communities we serve only becomes stronger.”

What is Glenmede, and what is the firm’s mission?

We are a wealth and investment management firm that strives to empower the financial futures of the clients we serve. Whether constructing personalized wealth plans for families, acting as an organization’s outsourced chief investment officer, or managing investments that address current investor needs, we are committed to delivering superior client outcomes. We begin with the fundamental belief that every client is a universe of one and deserves to be treated as such, which means we work to deliver outcomes and experiences tailored specifically for them.

How does Glenmede bring that mission to life?

Our core values of accountability, agility, and integrity guide and fuel our pursuit of excellence and our unwavering commitment to our clients. For private wealth, that means partnering with clients to build customized plans for their unique lifestyle, legacy, and philanthropic goals. For our endowments and foundations business, our expertise supports our clients’ missions, which allows them to make a lasting impact. And our investment management division builds and manages investments that offer clients diversification, long-term growth, and active management by experienced professionals.

What distinguishes a fiduciary from another kind of investment firm?

Being a fiduciary means we have a legal and ethical obligation to always act in our client’s best interests. This responsibility drives every decision we make, and we take this role very seriously. With a four-to-one employee-to-client ratio, we provide each client with the undivided attention and expertise they deserve. While it may sound simple in theory, this “universe of one” approach is highly complex. It requires the seamless operation of our entire organization, working together at the highest level of consistency and excellence to meet the specific needs of every client. I believe if we put clients first and execute our job well, the success of Glenmede will follow.

“As we grow and evolve, our commitment to Philadelphia and the communities we serve only becomes stronger.”

How does that mindset translate to the real world? What advice can you offer someone who is looking for a wealth or an investment partner?

The key is to find a partner who prioritizes you. A true wealth partner will take the time to actively listen to you and understand your needs and goals. It’s not just about achieving outcomes; it’s about the experience you have along the way. At Glenmede, our goal is to deliver superior outcomes while providing an unparalleled client experience. This unique combination of outcome and experience truly defines who we are.

What does sustainable growth look like for you?

For me, sustainable growth is about prioritizing and serving clients the right way, first and foremost. We do well when our clients do well, and that kind of growth allows us to maintain our balance of size and scale. We’re large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. Another piece of sustainable growth focuses on attracting, retaining, and developing the right talent. We have the right people working together, and they are committed to delivering long-term value.

How have you seen Glenmede and the financial industry evolve over the years?

Both Glenmede and the industry have certainly evolved. A better point to focus on may be: What hasn’t changed? We are a business of people serving people. The technology and strategies we leverage may change, but our core philosophy and commitment to our clients remains steadfast.

What role do you see yourself playing in the firm’s future?

As a leader, I view my role as similar to that of the general manager of a sports team — ensuring we have a full complement (coaches, starters, backups, developmental, and so on) of the right people with the right attributes. My philosophy is simple: first “who” then “what.” I believe talent is our biggest asset; and making sure we have the right people, the right culture, and the right environment to serve our clients is paramount.

Glenmede is deeply connected to Philadelphia. Can you tell us about your involvement in the city?

First, Glenmede was founded in Philadelphia in 1956 and has always been committed to this city and its community. This past December, we moved into our new headquarters in One Liberty Place. Our space is a destination workplace and is an investment in our employees, our culture, and a hybrid work environment that leverages technology and fosters collaboration. It provides an exceptional experience for both our clients and our colleagues, while also reinforcing our long-standing dedication to the city.

Personally, I’m proud to serve as the chair of the Philadelphia Health Partnership, a group focused on improving health and well-being in the city. It’s been a rewarding experience, especially as I’ve seen the impact of our work firsthand. I’m also involved with the Chamber of Commerce, supporting the growth of Philadelphia’s business community. I’m committed to the city, both personally and professionally. Philadelphia is where I live, work, and strive to make a difference.

Favorite Philly place to eat? We’re still eating our way through the city. We’re having fun trying all the cheesesteaks, and Angelo’s is definitely one of our top picks. But if I had to choose a recent favorite, it would be Alpen Rose.

Favorite pro athlete? The Eagles’ offensive line. What I admire most about them is how they are a coordinated unit that operates exceptionally well together. And what I see from the offensive line reminds me a lot of my team at Glenmede, which fosters seamless, well-orchestrated performance to deliver the best possible experience for each client.

Favorite Philadelphia small business? Rittenhouse Farmers Market. It’s a fantastic place to support small businesses and connect with the community.

What do you wish people knew about Philadelphia? Philadelphia is more than its historical landmarks. It has a thriving arts, sports, and music scene, with incredible cultural and educational institutions. The business landscape is also growing rapidly; and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, I’m excited to develop ways to bring that to life.