Bob Pozen is leaving MFS, and CEO Rob Manning will fill his shoes as chairman. That's just one of the changes the Boston-based asset manager revealed for its leadership team today, changes that seem to leave three executives vying to succeed Manning at the top one day.

Robert J. Manning MFS Investment Management CEO, Chairman-Designate

Meanwhile, David Antonelli and Marty Beaulieu both will step a little closer to the top spot as brand new vice chairman. Not to be outdone, president Mike Roberge will add the titles of chief investment officer and global director of research.

"Through the appointments we are announcing today, we have established a smooth succession for the leadership of MFS," Manning stated.

"The appointments today have the full support of Sun Life Financial [MFS' Canadian parent]," added Donald Stewart, CEO of Sun Life.

Michael W. Roberge MFS Investment Management President, CIO-Designate

Beaulieu will retain his current post as executive vice president and head of global distribution. Antonelli, on the other hand, will relinquish his co-head of global research title and continue to serve as an executive vice president and portfolio manager for global growth, international growth and small and mid-cap strategies.

All of these changes -- Manning becoming chairman, Antonelli and Beaulieu's promotions, Roberge's additional titles -- take effect on July 1 of this year, though Pozen, age 64, won't officially retire from the firm until December 31, 2011. (Manning specifically hinted that Pozen, who will become chairman emeritus on July 1, will have a "continued advisory role" with MFS.) 

Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE