Timothy B. Harbert's unexpected death from a heart attack on Aug. 24 left his colleagues and competitors in the money management world stunned.
They remembered the 53-year-old chairman and chief executive officer of State Street Global Advisors, Boston, last week for his warmth and his love for his work and his family.
"Tim came from a very strong family," said Ronald Logue, CEO of State Street Corp., Boston, who was Mr. Harbert's boss. "They called themselves ‘Team Harbert.' Tim took that concept that he grew up with and put it into effect at State Street and we became ‘Team State Street.'"
"He also had the ability to put very talented people around him," said Mr. Logue. Two of those people are stepping into Mr. Harbert's shoes on an interim basis: Alan Brown, the group chief investment officer; and Peter Leahy, chief operating officer. Spokeswoman Arlene Roberts said the firm would not comment further about a replacement for Mr. Harbert.
"He had an energy and infectious enthusiasm," said Blake Grossman, global co-CEO of Barclays Global Investors, San Francisco.
"He was a universally liked individual and was a very warm person," added Mr. Grossman. "We were friendly despite the fact that we were competitors. He always had something nice to say."