The Deerfield, Ill.-based firms makeover actually began in 1998, said Robert Miller, now CAO. "We knew that there needed to be some changes. Our most critical exploration was the portfolio management."
Lindner hired Boston-based
Pisterzi will be handling marketing efforts for Lindner. With experience as a consultant in the institutional market and a background marketing funds to high-net-worth clients, he intends to exploit both those avenues.
"Our first and foremost goal is to grow the funds, and the RIA channel is a top priority for us," he said. Lindner will also focus on the institutional market and ultimately looks to grow a retail separate accounts business.
Anxious to build the Lindner brand, Pisterzi accepts a measured pace in the growth of the business. "What were trying to do is crawl before we walk and reestablish the Lindner name," he said, adding that clients such as advisors in the RIA community will be carefully eyeballing Lindner sub-advised investment strategy and ongoing performance.
Miller described Lindners years of misfortune as a "roller-coaster ride," but Pisterzi seemed undaunted by the past. After careful rhetoric describing investment strategies, quality controls, and marketing plans, he said, "Im hungry for the thrill of this particular challenge."