Leon Levy, who launched the first Oppenheimer mutual fund in 1959 and founded the companys now-famous mutual fund unit the following year, will retire this month as chairman.
Clayton Yeutter will assume the role of chairman of the board, overseeing the companys 31 funds, on Jan. 1. Yeutter has served on the board since 1991 and was a U.S. Trade Representative from 1985 to 1989. He was also U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1981 to 1991 and was president and CEO of the
Levy, 77, joined Oppenheimer & Co. in 1951 as a partner and research director. In 1960, he formed Oppenheimer Management Corp., which eventually grew into what is today known as
In a statement issued today, Levy said, "It is time to pass the baton."
