MutualFundWire.com: First American Funds Taps a New Distribution King
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Thursday, May 22, 2008

First American Funds Taps a New Distribution King


The advisor to the First American Funds, FAF Advisors, has named a new head of retail distribution. Derek Chow, formerly the head of third-party institutional platform at FAF, will be taking on the role. Chow will be responsible for all of the firm's external and internal wholesalers.


Company Press Release

FAF Advisors, Inc., announced today that it has named Derek Chow as its new head of retail distribution. Chow has headed the firm's third-party institutional platform sales since he joined the firm in November 2007. In his new role, Chow will be responsible for leading the firm's external and internal wholesaling efforts and national accounts.

"Derek has the required mix of strategic business vision and hands-on mutual fund wholesaling experience to lead this important channel," said Frank Wheeler, head of distribution. "We feel very lucky to have Derek on our team and know he'll provide great leadership in his new role. I'm confident that his appointment as our new head of retail distribution will continue to drive retail-sales momentum for our firm."

Chow brings 23 years of retail sales and asset-management industry experience to his new position. He previously served as vice president, sales and marketing for Cornerstone Capital in Irvine, Calif. Prior to that, he was national sales manager for Capital Solutions Inc. of Corte Madera, Calif. He has also held divisional sales-management positions at Lincoln Financial Distributors and Strong Investments. He's been a regional wholesaler for Fidelity Investments and Nuveen Investments. Derek began his career as an analyst and portfolio manager, working first for Back Bay Advisors (a subsidiary of Nvest) and then for Western Asset Management Company. He has a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

About FAF Advisors, Inc.

FAF Advisors is a national investment firm that serves as the registered investment advisor to First American Funds and provides customized portfolio management to private corporations, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions.

The firm is one of the nation's leading money managers, with more than $113 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2008. About First American Funds First American Funds has more than $76 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2008. It offers a broad array of mutual funds across a full spectrum of investment styles and share classes. Investors should carefully consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information; call 800.677.FUND or visit firstamericanfunds.com for a copy. Please read it carefully before investing. Mutual fund investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. FAF Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor and subsidiary of U.S. Bank (NYSE:USB) National Association, serves as the investment advisor to First American Funds. First American Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC, an affiliate of the investment advisor (5/08). NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE


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