PIMCO’s Chief Economist Paul McCulley has decided to leave the firm after just nine months.
His last day at Newport Beach, California-based PIMCO will be February 28, five months after former Co-CIO Bill Gross’ own exit to Janus Capital.
McCulley’s most recent tenure at the bond shop was his third stint. Gross re-recruited his longtime friend in 2014 to bolster the firm amid poor performance following former CEO Mohamed El-Erian’s sudden departure.
As well as serving as the firm’s principal economic counsel, the economist was tasked to chair PIMCO’s investment committee in rotation and lead discussions on global issues.
“My mission here is complete. PIMCO will always be Camelot in my heart.” —Paul McCulley
“I accepted this position, as I said at the time, to work side-by-side with Bill Gross, as economic counselor, doing the three things that I love: think, write, and speak macro,” McCulley said of his imminent departure.
Previously, he served as an account manager at the now-$1.68 trillion firm in 1990, and again as a portfolio manager in 1999. He also led the firm’s short-term desk and became a member of the investment committee.
“My mission here is complete,” McCulley said. “PIMCO will always be Camelot in my heart.”
Earlier this month, PIMCO hired Joachim Fels, former chief economist at Morgan Stanley, as global economic advisor. He will report to group-CIO Daniel Ivascyn.
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