MutualFundWire.com: An Alts Shop Attracts an Allianz Alum
MutualFundWire.com
   The insiders' edge for 40 Act industry executives!
an InvestmentWires' Publication
Wednesday, January 30, 2013

An Alts Shop Attracts an Allianz Alum


An alternatives mutual fund shop has a new national sales chief.

Equinox Group Distributors has brought in Eric Downing to be its new national sales manager, the firm announced in a news release.

Downing will manage all sales, including working with internal and external consultants.

Prior to joining Equinox, Downing headed organizational development at Allianz Global Investors.

Check out the original news release below.


Company Press Release

Equinox Strengthens Its Distribution Leadership, Appoints Eric Downing as National Sales Manager



PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Equinox Group Distributors, LLC ("Equinox"), the distribution affiliate of Equinox Fund Management, an innovator in alternative investment funds, strengthens its commitment and capabilities in distribution with the appointment of Eric Downing as National Sales Manager.

Mr. Downing is responsible for national sales management, including the development of internal and external investment consultants who service financial advisors and RIAs across the country. "Eric is a performance-driven sales manager and distribution expert with a highly successful track record in new business development, client relationship management and sales process coaching," said Frank Codey, President of Equinox Group Distributors. "We believe his expertise in building world-class wholesaling teams will be invaluable as we seek to align our fund distribution efforts with the advisor communities that we serve," added Bob Enck, Chief Executive Officer of Equinox Fund Management.

Prior to joining Equinox, Mr. Downing was Head of Organizational Development at Allianz Global Investors, where he spearheaded a comprehensive employee development program. During his long career at Allianz, Mr. Downing also served as a Divisional Sales Manager and a Senior External Investment Consultant. Before Allianz, Mr. Downing was Managing Director of Investment Services and a Branch Manager at Stifel Nicolaus, after enjoying eight years as a Financial Advisor at Paine Webber and Merrill Lynch. An experienced pilot, Mr. Downing received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and served as an Attack Helicopter Pilot and Airborne Pathfinder in the United States Army. He also earned a Masters of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University, George Herbert Walker School of Business and holds numerous industry licenses, including Series 24, 65, 8, 63, 7, and an Insurance License (life & health). Mr. Downing holds several certifications and designations, including: Registered Corporate Coach(TM) (RCC(TM)), Certified Professional Behavior Analyst(TM) (CPBA(TM)) and Certified Professional Motivators Analyst(TM) (CPMA(TM)).

"I enthusiastically joined the Equinox family based on their leadership in managed futures investing and dedication to growing their alternative funds business. This expansion is evident in the rapidly growing sales force, and I look forward to contributing to the effort," commented Mr. Downing. "Propelled by a competitive alternative product line-up and best-in-class sales team, I believe Equinox is situated to become the premier alternative investment fund provider in the industry."

Equinox Fund Management has been an innovator in alternative investment product development and distribution since its founding in 2003. In December 2009, Equinox launched the MutualHedge Frontier Legends Fund (ticker: MHFAX), the first actively managed mutual fund with exposure to Commodity Trading Advisor programs. Equinox also sponsors the Equinox Commodity Strategy Fund, the Equinox Alternative Strategy Platform, a menu of single commodity trading advisor programs offered in a mutual fund format, and The Frontier Fund, a managed futures public commodity pool with daily liquidity.



Printed from: MFWire.com/story.asp?s=42850

Copyright 2013, InvestmentWires, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Back to Top