Recruiter to help Banc of America fill top slots

Executive recruiter Higdon Barrett, New York, was hired by Banc of America Capital Management, Charlotte, N.C., to conduct searches for a new chief executive officer and chief investment officer, according to sources familiar with the matter. The goal is to find the right people for the positions as quickly as possible, the sources said. The best-known people in the industry are being considered, they added. Former CEO Robert H. Gordon resigned his post in September after New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer charged that Mr. Gordon gave preferential treatment to Edward J. Stern, managing principal at Canary Capital Partners, allowing him to buy and sell mutual funds after normal trading hours. Neither Bank of America nor Mr. Gordon has been charged with wrongdoing. Former CIO Michael Kenneally left the unit earlier this year to join Credit Suisse Asset Management, New York. Alex Trower, spokeswoman at Banc of America Capital Management, declined to comment.