James. F. Rothenberg, chairman of The Capital Group Cos. Inc., Los Angeles, died of a heart attack Tuesday, the company reported in a news release.
Mr. Rothenberg, 69, had worked for Capital Group for 45 years. He was also chairman of the board of the Harvard Management Co., which invests Harvard University's $36.4 billion endowment, as well as the Cambridge, Mass.-based university's treasurer from 2004 to 2014.
“His intellect, passion and energy were a source of inspiration to all of us and to our more than 7,600 associates worldwide,” the news release said. “Jim served in a variety of leadership positions at Capital Group during his career. He was one of eight members of the Capital Group management committee, and served as vice chairman of the board and a portfolio manager of Growth Fund of America.”
Harvard President Drew Faust, in a statement on the university's website, said: “Jim was one of the best friends Harvard has ever had, and his selfless leadership, gentle wisdom, humane spirit and boundless generosity in service of Harvard will live on always.”
In addition to his work with Capital Group and Harvard, Mr. Rothenberg had been a member of the Investment Company Institute's board of governors and executive committee since 2012.
Paul Schott Stevens, ICI's president and CEO, said in a statement: “Jim was truly a figure of great stature and presence within the fund industry, and an important contributor to our board of governors and executive committee.”
"Jim was a great colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues everywhere,” Mr. Stevens added.
Information on services was not immediately available.