Columbia Hires Consultant Relations Vet

Kathleen Kennedy has joined Boston-based Columbia Management where she will head the firm’s consultant relations efforts.

Her role with the asset manager is effective immediately, a Sept. 20 announcement said.

Previously, Kennedy was with Robeco Investment Management for 12 years, 11 of which were spent leading consultant relations for the firm. She has also served as VP of institutional sales for United Asset Management, and worked at MFS Investment Management for eight years in various asset management and equity research roles, the statement said.

Further details regarding her new position could not be obtained however, as Ryan Lund, a spokesman for Columbia, did not immediately return calls.

Meanwhile, Columbia Management has $140 billion in institutional assets under management as of June 30, 2010. In total, the firm oversees $327 billion in assets.

Earlier this year, Minneapolis-based Ameriprise Financial acquired the firm. At that time, IMW reported that Ameriprise would combine its current U.S. asset management business, RiverSource Investments, with Columbia, keeping the money management division under the Columbia brand.

“Our recent integration efforts position us to offer a broader spectrum of investment strategies in mutual funds, separate accounts, and collective trust funds offered through Ameriprise Trust Company,” Jeff Peters, head of global institutional at Columbia, said in the statement today.