Alec Kersman, Pimco
Fixed income specialist Pimco has named Alec Kersman as its new head of Asia-Pacific, according to an announcement made by the firm.
Kersman will replace Kimberley Stafford, who will be assuming the role of global head of the firm’s product strategy group. Stafford will return to Pimco’s Newport Beach office in the middle of this year to take up the new role, overseeing traditional strategies and alternatives, which include private strategies and head funds.
Kersman and Stafford are managing directors at the firm and will both report to Emmanuel Roman, managing director and Pimco’s CEO.
Stafford has led Pimco’s Asia-Pacific business since 2017. During her 21 years with the firm, she has held various positions, including head of the consultant relations group, oversight of US institutional sales and alternative marketing teams, head of human resources and talent management and head of global sustainability initiatives.
Kersman is currently Pimco’s head of strategic accounts in US global wealth management (GWM). He helped drive the growth of Pimco’s Latin America business over more than a decade and, more recently, has played a major role in bringing his client relationship expertise to US global wealth management.
He will be supported in Asia-Pacific by Pimco’s regional leadership team and investment professionals. John Studzinski, managing director and vice chairman of Pimco’s executive office, will continue playing a role in broadening Pimco’s relationships in Asia-Pacific with leaders in business, finance, government and NGOs, the statement noted.
“With his deep understanding of the regulatory environment and proven strategic leadership, Kersman will build on the excellent work that Stafford and the team have delivered over the past four years driving our expansion in Asia-Pacific,” Roman said.
The firm also announced other key leadership roles. David Fisher, managing director and currently head of traditional product strategies, will become co-head of US GWM alongside Eric Sutherland, managing director and president of Pimco Investments. Fisher, who has spent 13 years as a leader in the product strategy group and also serves as a strustee of Pimco closed end funds, will relocate to the New York office.
Ryan Korinke, Hong Kong-based managing director and head of hedge fund and quantitative strategies, will also join Pimco’s executive office in Newport Beach.
