CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To deliberately increase diversity, remove barriers, and establish a new pipeline of talent in the asset management industry, Allstate Investments, LGIM America, and William Blair Investment Management created the Asset Management Diversity Accelerator (AMDA), a two-year rotational development program for diverse and underrepresented job seekers.
AMDA provides recruits with in-depth industry experience, helps them grow their professional networks, and pays them a competitive salary with benefits. The cohort will spend two years as junior research associates, rotating at each of the three Chicago-based companies every eight months. In their roles, participants will provide a fresh perspective by learning and working directly within equity research teams, fixed income and corporate portfolio managers.
Recruitment is ongoing, focusing on students who are expected to graduate from historically black colleges and universities in December 2022 or May 2023. AMDA is also expanding the pool of candidates by emphasizing opportunities with majors typically outside of the asset management industry. Participants will be notified of their selection in December this year and will begin work in June 2023.
Leaders from partner companies shared the following perspective on the value the AMDA program will bring to candidates and the industry:-
John Dugenske, CFA, President, Investments and Financial Products, Allstate Investments:
“Inclusive diversity and equity have long been Allstate’s core values that represent who we are and how we conduct ourselves as employees, leaders, decision makers and members of society. Building on our longstanding relationship with historically black colleges and universities, the AMDA program will attract more diverse talent to our employment and entrepreneurial career opportunities. We are committed to raising diverse voices in investment roles at Allstate and across the industry.
Aaron Meder, CFA, President and CEO, LGIM America:
“Addressing our industry’s greatest challenges, while delivering our business to future generations, will require new ideas, innovation, phenomenal teamwork and relentless focus. Success can only be achieved if we collaborate in a respectful and inclusive manner, while continually embracing diversity of thought and experience. By partnering with the AMDA program, LGIM America is proud to provide a world-class asset management experience to people from historically underrepresented backgrounds, while continuing our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
Stephanie Braming, CFA, Partner and Global Head of Investment Management, William Blair:
“The power of diverse teams cannot be overstated. Human capital is our industry’s greatest asset, with our research analysts specifically playing a critical role in developing comprehensive investment strategies for our clients. That’s why we need the best and brightest talent to join us. And the best and the brightest cover many different backgrounds with many different lived experiences that influence their professional sense.
For more information about the AMDA program, visit www.amdaprogram.com.
About Allstate Investments
Allstate Investments brings together a diverse and talented group of more than 300 skilled professionals to support our investing and operating activities. Our team’s collective experience spans a wide range of asset classes, industries, sectors and geographies. We have a proven track record of delivering strong results by adopting a client-centric, proactive, innovative and flexible approach to investing. Beyond who we are is where we are. We believe a global presence enhances our investment expertise, which is why, in addition to our headquarters in the Chicago area, we also have an office in London. With eyes and ears across time zones, we keep a constant pulse on the market. We are also proud to partner with leading global asset managers and sponsors to expand our investment capabilities. Inclusive Diversity and Equity (“IDE”) is a core value at Allstate. Our IDE strategy focuses on the four pillars of business practices, culture, people and community to leverage the diversity of talent, perspectives and experiences and foster an inclusive and equitable workplace.
About LGIM America
LGIM America (LGIMA) was founded in 2006 with the goal of helping people achieve their long-term financial goals. We offer a range of strategies to help our institutional clients (corporate, healthcare agencies, not-for-profits, education, public plans and Taft-Hartley) manage their investment objectives, which can range from strategies focused on market-based alpha to those designed to be more liability driven, derivative overlays or indexed solutions. Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment coupled with a solutions-focused culture allows us to increase the breadth of our knowledge and the likelihood of improving client outcomes and strengthening our financial performance. We have teams of experienced and innovative professionals committed to helping plan sponsors deliver on their retirement promises, effectively managing investment exposures to seek enhanced returns while mitigating risk, and working to drive returns while making a positive societal difference. As of June 30, 2022, LGIM America had $224 billion in assets under management.
About William Blair
William Blair is the world’s leading boutique specializing in investment banking, investment management and private wealth management. We provide consulting services, strategies and solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients. As an independent, employee-owned company, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.*
William Blair Investment Management is a leading global investment management boutique, focused solely on the active management of US growth and core equities; US value stocks; global equities, including emerging market equities; and emerging market debt strategies. We are a signatory to the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a member of the Investor Stewardship Group (Framework for US Stewardship and Governance), and a signatory to the Japan and Korea Codes of Conduct. We work closely with private and public pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds, as well as financial advisors. As of June 30, 2022, William Blair Investment Management manages over $56.2 billion in assets. For more information about William Blair Investment, please visit www.williamblair.com/Investment-Management.
*Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners and Poalim Capital Markets
