Putnam kicks off expanded ESG effort

Firm hires Katherine Collins to lead sustainable investing team
MAY 03, 2017

Putnam Investments has hired Katherine Collins to head a new sustainable investing effort that could lead to the introduction of the firm's first standalone ESG funds. In her new role, Ms. Collins will head a team responsible for overseeing the firm's environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment approach, which Putnam said is expected to include managing focused strategies for institutional and retail mutual fund clients. She will report to Aaron Cooper, the firm's chief investment officer for equities. While Putnam currently does not offer specific ESG or socially responsible funds, "we have always had an ESG lens on our investment process," Putnam spokeswoman Laura McNamara said in an email. Previously, Ms. Collins was CEO of Honeybee Capital, a research firm focused on ESG investment issues. Working with Ms. Collins will be Stephanie Henderson, a fundamental analyst formerly with Fidelity Investments, and Alexander Rickson, a Putnam veteran who will be providing quantitative analysis. "Investing through the lens of environmental, social, and governance is becoming increasingly synonymous with good long-term investing and is serving to help identify opportunities," said Robert L. Reynolds, Putnam's president and CEO.

Latest News

UBS client says his wife moved in with their wealth advisor. It got messy
UBS client says his wife moved in with their wealth advisor. It got messy

Advisor accused of scheming to move family trust to firm, lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages.

Gen Zs are grappling with financial challenges in extraordinary times
Gen Zs are grappling with financial challenges in extraordinary times

Young Americans are inexperienced in navigating current stormy waters.

Musk needs to exit role at 'neglected' Tesla, says $3.3B investment firm CEO
Musk needs to exit role at 'neglected' Tesla, says $3.3B investment firm CEO

Early investor in EV firm says it is in crisis and needs a change of leadership.

Nvidia unveils superchips, addresses spiraling cost concerns
Nvidia unveils superchips, addresses spiraling cost concerns

Chipmaker's developer conference comes at a pivotal moment.

Citi slashes 'transformation' bonuses for senior execs
Citi slashes 'transformation' bonuses for senior execs

Three-year program aimed to boost regulatory compliance, culture change.

SPONSORED Beyond the all-in-one: Why specialization is key in wealth tech

In an industry of broad solutions, firms like intelliflo prove 'you just need tools that play well together'

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies