AllianceBernstein L.P. announced that Christopher Thompson has joined the firm as Senior Managing Director-Head of US Retail Client Group. Thompson will lead all aspects of AllianceBernstein’s US retail business, reporting to Robert Keith, Global Head of the firm’s Client Group.
Thompson will play an integral role in leveraging robust product development in executing the firm’s long-term strategy to reposition and grow a retail franchise that is flexible, innovative and responsive to the evolving needs of its clientele.
“Chris’ expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to innovate with our offerings and expand our retail footprint,” Keith said. “We’re seeing strong retail momentum, and we remain highly focused on providing a more comprehensive product array that helps investors navigate today’s more volatile capital markets and achieve better investment outcomes.”
Thompson has more than 20 years of experience in leading distribution efforts for highly competitive investment-management firms. He joins AllianceBernstein from Columbia Management, where he was most recently Head of Intermediary Distribution, Product and Marketing, and was responsible for the firm’s retail business. Prior to that, Thompson was at Putnam Investments for 13 years in various senior roles, including Managing Director, Head of Investment Product Management and Managing Director, Director of Defined Contribution Business. Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a Master’s of Business Administration from New York University.
AllianceBernstein is a global investment management firm that offers esearch and diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals and private clients in major world markets. At March 31, 2014, AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. owned approximately 35.8% of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units and AXA, one of the largest global financial services organizations, owned an approximate 63.6% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.