MutualFundWire.com: A Key FRC Sales Exec Jumps to a Rival Firm

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Friday, December 19, 2008

A Key FRC Sales Exec Jumps to a Rival Firm

Financial Research Corp.'s longtime sales and relationship development chief Deb Wetherbee is joining kasina as head of sales and marketing. Word of Wetherbee's move comes three weeks after Citigroup inked a deal to sell FRC to Mercatus Partners (see The MFWire, November 21, 2008).

It was not immediately known who will replace Wetherbee at FRC.

At kasina, Wetherbee will initially report to Mike Ma, whom she is succeeding in the sales and marketing post. Ma is transitioning to the role of general partner, focusing more on client work, thought leadership and international efforts. Wetherbee will eventually report to kasina CEO Steven Miyao.

"We couldn't have picked someone better," Ma told The MFWire. "We feel like we got our LeBron James," added Ma, a diehard Cavaliers fan.

Wetherbee will start at kasina on Monday. She previously spent eight years at FRC. Before that, she was in charge of sales and marketing of mutual funds at Nvest.

Company Press Release

NEW YORK (December 19, 2008) – kasina announces Deb Wetherbee as new Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining kasina, Wetherbee worked for eight years at Financial Research Corporation (FRC), serving as senior vice president and director of relationship development.

Before FRC, Wetherbee was responsible for sales and marketing of mutual funds at Nvest. While at Nvest, she was involved in the roll out of the MSCI Webs, now known as part of iShares. She began her career at Nuveen Investments in Chicago.

“We are very excited to welcome Deb to our kasina team. Her experience and industry knowledge will make her an invaluable part of our company,” said Mike Ma, principal, at kasina. “Among her many strengths and talents, I am looking forward to the new energy that she will bring to our sales and marketing department.”

“I have always been a great admirer of kasina from afar,” said Wetherbee. “I am truly excited to be part of a company with such a strong culture, unique brand, and dynamic team.”

Deb holds an undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College and an MBA from Boston University.