An institutional investor has hired a former Marine to help it grow its business and customer service initiatives.

DDJ Capital Management, an institutional investment manager specializing in high yield, bank loan and special situations strategies, has hired John (“Jack”) O’Connor to the newly created position of senior vice president, heading business development and client service.

The former U.S. Marine Corps officer was most recently head of North American distribution for Morgan Stanley Investment Management [profile].

Before that, O’Connor was the executive vice president and head of U.S. Institutional Distribution for Pioneer Investments. Earlier, for eight years he was a senior sales and marketing executive for MFS Investment Management, culminating in the position of senior vice president of North American sales and consultant relations, according to DDJ Capital.

DDJ sub-advises several US mutual funds, including the Northern Multi-Manager High Yield Opportunity Fund from Northern Trust.

“We are thrilled that Jack is joining our team,” stated David Breazzano, president and chief investment officer of DDJ Capital. “As we’ve added clients globally attracted to our range of credit-focused strategies, maintaining superior client service remains of paramount importance. The hiring of such an accomplished professional demonstrates our commitment to excellence in this area.”

In his new position, O’Connor will lead a business development and client service team, including a performance and analytics group, of 12 associates. 

Here is the press release:

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Company Press Release

DDJ Capital Management Appoints Investment Management Veteran John O’Connor as Head of Business Development and Client Service

WALTHAM, Mass., August 26, 2013 – DDJ Capital Management, LLC, an institutional investment manager of high yield, bank loan and special situations strategies for clients worldwide, is pleased to announce the appointment of John (“Jack”) O’Connor, a seasoned investment management industry executive, to the newly created position of senior vice president, heading business development and client service, effective today.

O’Connor was most recently head of North American distribution for Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He joins DDJ Capital during a period of firm growth and an enhanced focus on client service.

“We are thrilled that Jack is joining our team,” said David Breazzano, president and chief investment officer of DDJ Capital. “As we’ve added clients globally attracted to our range of credit-focused strategies, maintaining superior client service remains of paramount importance. The hiring of such an accomplished professional demonstrates our commitment to excellence in this area.”

DDJ Capital, based in the Boston suburb of Waltham, Massachusetts, is known for its value-oriented, fundamental investment philosophy and extensive experience investing in the lower tier of the credit markets. The firm currently manages over $6 billion for domestic and international clients in its opportunistic high yield, core high yield, senior loan, and strategic income strategies.

Prior to working at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, O’Connor was the executive vice president and head of U.S. Institutional Distribution for Pioneer Investments. Earlier, for eight years he was a senior sales and marketing executive for MFS Investment Management, culminating in the position of senior vice president of North American sales and consultant relations. He is a former officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and a graduate of Denison University.

“DDJ Capital has emerged as a proven leader in managing client assets in the lower tier of the credit markets, and I’m delighted to join a highly talented and experienced group,” O’Connor said.

At DDJ, O’Connor will lead a business development and client service team, including a performance and analytics group, of 12 associates.

About DDJ Capital Management, LLC

DDJ Capital Management is a high yield, bank loan and special situations investment manager based in Waltham, Massachusetts. Established in 1996, DDJ currently manages over $6 billion for institutional investors worldwide, including corporate and government retirement funds, insurance companies, mutual fund sponsors, endowments, foundations, and family offices. DDJ’s investment team consists of 18 investment professionals highly specialized in the areas of credit research, legal analysis, bankruptcy law, portfolio management, trading and business operational improvements. For more information, please visit www.ddjcap.com.

 

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