A former wirehouse executive is joining a $176-billion-AUM (as of July 31) asset manager's senior leadership team in a newly created role.

Jacquelyn Sue "Jackie" VanderBrug Putnam Investments Head of Sustainability Strategy

Today, Bob Reynolds, president and CEO of Putnam Investments [profile], confirms that he has hired Somerville, Massachusetts-based Jackie VanderBrug as the Boston-based mutual fund firm's first ever head of sustainability strategy. VanderBrug will report to Reynolds, join Putnam's operating committee, and work closely with Katherine Collins (head of sustainable investing) and Cathy Saunders (head of corporate sustainability and public policy).

VanderBrug most recently served as head of sustainable and impact investment strategy for the chief investment office for global wealth management (i.e. Merrill and the private bank) at Bank of America. A BofA spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At Putnam, Reynolds hints that VanderBrug "will play an integral role in further expanding our firm's focus in the critical realm of sustainability."

"At a time when ESG-related questions are rising in complexity and intensity, we are focused on further strengthening our investment-centric approach to these issues," Reynolds states. "Putnam will greatly benefit from Jackie's extensive expertise and hands-on leadership as we continue our journey in this area for clients, associates and the broader community."

VanderBrug joined U.S. Trust back in 2013, then stayed on after it was acquired by BofA in 2017. Earlier, she worked for Criterion Ventures, iBasis, CSC Index, and the U.S. Congress, and she founded a non-profit network called Work In Progress. She is a board member of U.S. SIF and is active with the Aspen Institute and several other organizations. She is an alumna of the University of Michigan and of Calvin College (now called Calvin University). 

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