Second-generation leader brings deep relationship management experience and lifelong commitment to firm’s core values to new role.
Fenimore Asset Management, manager of the FAM Funds family of mutual funds, has promoted Anne Putnam to Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2023. Anne’s promotion comes as the firm founded by her father, Tom Putnam, in 1974 nears its 50th year of service to investors in the Greater Capital Region and across the country.
Ms. Putnam is an accomplished leader who has delivered results, built strong relationships, and carried out a vision of growth over her two-decade investment management career. Since joining Fenimore in 2006, she has contributed significantly to the firm’s success, most recently as Senior Vice President, a role she’s held since 2017. During her career, Ms. Putnam has served investors and financial institutions in a variety of capacities while immersing herself in all aspects of Fenimore’s operations, beginning as a client relationship manager for separately managed accounts.
John Fox, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer; Tom Putnam, Founder & Executive Chairman; Anne Putnam, Chief Executive Officer; Christian Snyder, J.D., CFA®, President
“As the founder and executive chairman of Fenimore, I am excited about everything Anne brings to her new role for our investors, associates, and community. She is a proven leader with a deep understanding and commitment to our investment philosophy, and the knowledge, experience, and drive to help guide our firm to new levels of investor satisfaction and growth,” Mr. Putnam said.
Fenimore Asset Management is an independent, nationally recognized investment manager with more than $4.27 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023, through its Albany and Cobleskill offices. As a research-based and service-centric manager, Fenimore offers investment solutions to individuals, families, and organizations to help nurture and grow their capital over the long term. The firm’s team focuses on in-house research, investing in carefully selected quality businesses (stocks), and providing its investors with highly personalized investment solutions.
As a second-generation leader, Ms. Putnam has played a key role in maintaining and enhancing the strategic vision and value investment philosophy established by her father when he founded the firm as a means to manage family money after the Putnams sold the successful textile business started by Ms. Putnam’s grandfather. She has also been integral to continuing Fenimore’s half-century commitment to philanthropy in the community.
“Fenimore is an investment factory, like my grandfather built with his business, based on relationships with our investors, financial institutions, and portfolio-owned companies. Due to our values, we remain committed to investing in our community and giving back; it is humbling to walk in the footsteps of my forefathers,” said Ms. Putnam. “My goal as CEO is to maintain our presence regionally as a partnership owned by family and associates, expand our presence in the Capital Region, and continue to offer our investment strategies nationally through various channels. The same culture — in values-based management plus investment philosophy and process of these last fifty years — will guide us forward.”
Ms. Putnam succeeds John Fox in the CEO role. Mr. Fox will continue in his role as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and dedicate his full attention to guiding the firm’s investment management strategies. Ms. Putnam’s promotion is the latest step in Fenimore’s carefully planned leadership succession strategy, which included the appointment of Christian Snyder as president in 2022.
Ms. Putnam is active in the community — both in Schoharie County where she was born and raised and throughout the Capital Region — through volunteerism and giving back. She currently sits on the boards of Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne and Lakeside Chapel in Lake George.
“Anne is a highly-respected professional who is dedicated to serving our investors, our associates, and our community,” shared Michael Saccocio, a member of the Fenimore Asset Management Board of Directors and Executive Director, City Mission of Schenectady. “She exemplifies Fenimore’s commitment to excellence and is a great choice to serve as our next CEO.”