HARTFORD, Conn., May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtus
Investment Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTS), which operates a
multi-boutique asset management business, today announced that
Rick Smirl has joined the company as
executive vice president, chief operating officer, and member of
the senior leadership team.
Smirl, who has more than 20 years of experience in the asset
management industry, will lead the company's product management,
oversight, and development activities and have responsibility for
the investment operations and information technology functions. He
will also work with affiliated managers and subadvisers as the
company focuses on continuing to grow by developing and introducing
compelling new products and further optimizing business support
services. He assumes responsibilities previously managed by
Frank Waltman, executive vice
president, who retired in March after 30 years of service.
Smirl joins Virtus from Russell Investments, where he was chief
operating officer and oversaw all facets of the company's global
operations, including information technology, operations, fund
services, legal, compliance, risk management, internal audit,
project management, reporting and analytics, corporate services,
sourcing and procurement, and government and community
relations.
"Rick brings a wealth of knowledge of the asset management
industry to Virtus, and has deep experience in all aspects of the
business, from product development, investment and business
operations and corporate services to leading transformational
technology projects supporting business strategy and growth," said
George R. Aylward, president and
chief executive officer. "He has proven himself to be a
well-respected and trusted leader and will be a strong addition to
our management team as we continue to execute on our long-term
strategic priorities, including broadening the distinctive
investment capabilities we offer to individual and institutional
clients and leveraging the benefits of our operating model."
Prior to joining Russell Investments, Smirl was chief operating
officer and partner at William Blair Investment Management, where
he led the firm's operations, product development, fund services,
finance, business analysis, risk management, and technology teams.
Smirl joined William Blair Investment Management as chief legal
counsel after serving as chief legal officer at Strong Capital
Management. He began his career at a Los
Angeles law firm where he counseled financial services firms
and specialized in securities law.
Smirl holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the
University of California at Irvine and
earned a J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He also has completed an
executive education program at the University
of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business
Administration. He has been a member of the board of the
University of Washington's Foster School of Business and of Christopher
House, a Chicago-based non-profit
organization that helps low-income, at-risk individuals and
families succeed in school and the workplace.
About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
Virtus
Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) is a distinctive
partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to
the long-term success of individual and institutional investors.
The company provides investment management products and services
through its affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a
distinct investment style, autonomous investment process, and
individual brand. Virtus Investment Partners offers access to a
variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a
wide array of investor needs. Virtus' affiliates include Ceredex
Value Advisors, Duff & Phelps Investment Management, Kayne
Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, Newfleet Asset Management,
NFJ Investment Group, Seix Investment Advisors, Silvant Capital
Management, and Sustainable Growth Advisers. Additional information
can be found at virtus.com.
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SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.