Commonfund has launched its Diversity Office, which aims to bolster its own diversity efforts and serve as a resource and clearinghouse of information to the asset management industry broadly.
The office will pursue myriad initiatives, including promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion, sourcing and placing diverse managers within client portfolios, and providing firmwide opportunities for professional and organizational development, according to a news release from Commonfund, Wilton, Conn., which manages $25 billion for institutional investors.
Commonfund also plans to do "a lot more research, writing, and convening around diversity and inclusion in the asset management industry," said George Suttles, managing director and director of research for Commonfund Institute and a member of the Diversity Office's leadership team. "What we learn we plan to intentionally disseminate and make available to others in the industry."
"Building on the great work our diversity committee has already accomplished, the establishment of the office further solidifies our firmwide commitment to diversity," said Caroline Greer, managing director in strategic solutions and the inaugural chairwoman of Commonfund's Diversity Office, in the news release. "By formalizing our efforts, we will be able to better incorporate diversity and inclusion strategies across all operating areas, from our own recruiting efforts to promoting minority investment mandates for clients."
Joining Ms. Greer and Mr. Suttles on the leadership team will be Elaine Mizer, chief human resource officer. Commonfund's operating committee will select the office's membership, and a rotating chairman who will serve for a 12-month term.
