Janus subsidiary Perkins Investment Management just named a new CEO. On Monday Janus revealed that Peter Q. Thompson takes over the Chicago-based value manager, stepping in for interim CEO Jeff Kautz, who will stay on as chief investment investment officer and co-portfolio manager of the Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund and the Janus Adviser Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund.

Perkins co-founder Robert Perkins praised Thompson's "reputation and experience", while Janus CEO Gary Black pointed to Thompson's "proven track record and leadership skills."

A veteran of both Ariel Capital Management's executive team and board, Thompson most recently served as president and CEO of Chicago Asset Management.

Janus recently more than doubled down on Perkins (formerly known as Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell and Company). On December Janus paid $90 million to up its stake in Perkins from 30 percent to 80 percent (see MFWire, 7/8/2008 and 12/31/2008).

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Company Press Release

DENVER – Perkins Investment Management LLC, formerly named Perkins, Wolf, McDonnell and Company LLC (Perkins), a subsidiary of Janus Capital Management LLC, today named Peter Q. Thompson as its CEO. Thompson’s appointment reflects Janus’ commitment to continue building a world class value franchise under the Chicago-based asset manager.

As CEO of Perkins, Thompson, 40, will report directly to the Perkins Board of Directors and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Perkins business. Jeff Kautz, who was serving as interim-CEO, will continue to serve as chief investment officer and co-portfolio manager of Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund (formerly named Janus Mid Cap Value Fund) and Janus Adviser Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund (formerly named Janus Adviser Mid Cap Value Fund.)

“We are fortunate to have someone with Peter’s reputation and experience taking the helm at Perkins,” said Perkins co-founder Robert Perkins. “His strategic insight and extensive industry knowledge will be a tremendous asset.”

Thompson comes to Perkins from Chicago Asset Management Company, LLC, where he served as president and chief executive officer. Prior to that, he was with Ariel Capital Management for 12 years, where he served as executive vice president and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He earned a B.A. in American History from Providence College and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he currently serves on the Board.

“Leveraging Perkins’ strength and success as a value manager is a key component of our goal to expand our value franchise,” said Janus CEO Gary Black. “Peter’s proven track record and leadership skills will play an important role in our success.”

“I look forward to this new opportunity,” said Thompson. “I believe that our talented investment team, coupled with Janus’ distribution capabilities, will be a potent combination.”

On December 31, 2008, Janus Capital Group purchased an additional 50% in Perkins bringing Janus Capital Group’s stake in that firm to 80%.

About Perkins Investment Management LLC
Perkins Investment Management LLC (Perkins) is an asset management firm with a 28-year history, managing almost $11 billion as of September 30, 2008. With its industry experience, intensive research and careful consideration for risk, Perkins has established a reputation as a respected value-manager. Perkins has been the subadviser to Perkins Small Cap Value Fund (formerly named Janus Small Cap Value Fund) since its inception in 1987 and Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund since its inception in 1998. Perkins is an independently managed subsidiary of Janus Capital Group.

About Janus Capital Group Inc.
Founded in 1969, Denver-based Janus Capital Group Inc. (Janus) is a recognized leader of growth and risk-managed investment strategies. Our commitment to deliver for investors is rooted in our research-intensive approach and relentless passion to gain a competitive edge.

At the end of September 2008, Janus managed approximately $160.5 billion in assets for more than four million shareholders, clients and institutions around the world. Outside the U.S., Janus has offices in London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Janus Capital Group consists of Janus Capital Management LLC, INTECH Investment Management LLC (INTECH) and Perkins Investment Management LLC (Perkins).

Janus Distributors LLC 151 Detroit Street Denver, CO 80206
Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. For a prospectus containing this and other information, please call Janus at 1-877-335-2687 or download the file from janus.com. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. 

Edited by: Neil Anderson, Managing Editor


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