Putnam Investments Expands Institutional Consultant Relations Team

(January 18, 2012) — Putnam Investments is expanding its global institutional management consultant relations team, hiring Charlotte Walsh and Greg Weissman.

Walsh and Weissman will be based in Chicago and Boston, respectively.

“Investment consultants will continue to play a significant role. They’re important to our business worldwide, as investment consultants have always been part of the institutional decision-making process,” Joseph Phoenix, Head of Putnam Global Institutional Management, told aiCIO, noting that the firm sees particular opportunity in the United States. “We also have positive outlooks in the Middle East and the Far East. Europe is in a recovery mode, but we definitely like the US now as it relates to potential market growth in the next three to five years.” 

Both Walsh and Weissman will report directly to Phoenix, and are joining a consultant relations team that includes Keith Thomas in London and Anne Lundberg in Chicago, as well as two Boston-based consultant relations associates, all of whom will continue in their current roles.

“Institutional asset management has long been a significant focus of Putnam and among its key offerings to the broader marketplace,” Phoenix added in a statement. “In selecting two such outstanding and experienced professionals as Charlotte and Greg to deepen our relationships with and service to the consultant community, the firm is further underscoring its commitment to providing thoughtful, innovative and sophisticated solutions to existing and prospective institutional clients globally.” 

With more than 20 years of experience in the investment management industry, Walsh joins Putnam from Ranieri Partners, where she was managing director, focusing on direct sales and consultant relations. Previously, she worked with a range of consultant relations firms, such as Allegiant Asset Management, Oppenheimer Capital, and Banc One Investment Advisors/JP Morgan Asset Management. Her investment consulting experience comes from positions at Stratford Advisory Group and William M. Mercer Investment Consulting. She attended Northwestern University and is a CFA charterholder.   

Meanwhile, Weissman previously held positions at Old Mutual Asset Management as well as Cowen & Company. During his career, Weissman also held senior roles at Pacific Crest Securities and Jefferies & Company. Greg is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, Edwin Cox School for Business.