A Day in a New York Life: Wealth Management Solutions’ Peter Rothe

New York Life | August 4, 2026

The Day in a New York Life article series offers a look into the daily lives of employees: what they do, their career paths, what they find most interesting about their jobs, and how they spend their time outside of the office.

Never in his wildest imagination did Peter Rothe think that his experience working on a Peruvian coffee farm would influence his career at New York Life.

After college and a brief stint working for a congressperson in Washington, D.C., Rothe decided to take a break and spent six months in Peru, where he unexpectedly got a job on a coffee farm.

“I landed in a ‘sink or swim’ situation,” he said. “I didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak the language, and I found myself having to figure things out on my own, including how to communicate.”

This experience of having to quickly adapt and rely on his own resourcefulness unexpectedly translated into a work ethic that has served him well to this day.

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but having to fend for myself while I was in Peru was a lesson that would ultimately impact my career at New York Life,” he said. “It forced me to look at things differently so I could use what I knew to figure out a solution to an issue I faced or navigate available resources to get to a solution.”

What he does at New York Life

Rothe and his team are tasked with developing and launching new products for Wealth Management Solutions (WMS) that New York Life Registered Representatives and/or Financial Advisors can present to their clients. WMS is the business that supports advisors and clients with growth-oriented solutions.

“The industry is changing, and we need to stay ahead of these changes by giving our advisors new products that help them expand their customer base,” Rothe said. “The challenge is not only identifying these new products but also helping advisors understand how to talk about them.”

Examples of his team’s efforts include the introduction of alternative investments for high-net-worth clients, Health Savings Accounts that allow clients to save and pay for qualified health care expenses in a tax-advantaged way, and the planned rollout of ABLE accounts and 529 products later this year. ABLE accounts can help eligible individuals with disabilities save and invest without jeopardizing certain benefits, while 529 products are focused on education savings.

While these products may not become the primary focus of an advisor’s practice, they give advisors additional solutions they can bring to clients as their financial needs evolve.

“These products and others give our advisors new arrows in their quivers and support New York Life’s holistic approach to helping clients plan for their future financial needs.” 

Collaborative approach to leading

“I love it when my amazing team debates topics and plays devil’s advocate,” Rothe said. “I want folks on my team to feel comfortable sharing their views. It is only after open discussions and collaboration that we’ll arrive at the right answer.”

When asked what keeps him up at night, Rothe said he asks himself a simple question: Are he and his team focused on the right priorities? “I wonder if we are doing the things that will have the most impact on helping our advisors grow their practices.”  

Guidance for early-career colleagues

The advice Rothe usually tells those in the early stages of their careers is an extension of his experience in Peru.

“You’re in control of your career so raise your hand, volunteer or create new opportunities that will benefit you,” he said. “Don’t be intimidated by a situation or issue, particularly if it’s something new for you. Put yourself out there to gain experience, regardless of whether you succeed or fail. It’s all about learning.”

Beyond New York Life

Following the career advice he’s given to colleagues, Rothe’s out-of-the-office life involves two activities that stretch his abilities.

“I think people would be surprised to know that I’m pursuing a part-time MBA and that I’m taking tennis lessons,” he said. “In very different ways, the academic work and my time on a tennis court push me to learn new skills that will benefit me in the long term.”