DALLAS – Highland Capital Management, L.P. (“Highland”), a Dallas-based investment management firm, which, together with its affiliates, has over $19.5 billion in assets under management, announced the appointment of Carla Martin as Managing Director of National Accounts for the Independent Broker Dealer channel for Highland Capital Funds Distributor, Inc. Ms. Martin will report to Brad Ross, President of Highland Capital Funds Distributor, Inc. (“Highland Funds”).
“The firm has a successful 20-year history and is recognized as a pioneer in providing leading alternative strategies to its clients.”
Ms. Martin, together with Jennifer Ricci, will be responsible for leading Highland’s national accounts effort in the Independent Broker Dealer channel. Ms. Martin will focus on expanding availability of Highland’s alternative products, including its non-traded and mutual fund offerings, to the retail investor through this critical channel. Ms. Martin’s vast experience in sales management and prior relationships will allow her to introduce Highland products to additional top-tier independent brokers. With Ms. Martin leading the sales team, Highland will be poised to continue building upon its previous momentum in this channel.
“Ms. Martin’s appointment highlights Highland’s sustained commitment to building top-tier relationships in the independent broker dealer channel,” said Brad Ross. “The passion, drive, and experience she brings to the Highland Funds team will enhance our efforts as we continue to expand our offerings in this channel.”
“Ms. Martin is considered one of the best national account representatives in the business and we are excited she has decided to join our team,” said Brian Mitts, Chief Operations Officer of Highland and head of business development for the independent channel.
Ms. Martin joins Highland from W.P. Carey where she was a Senior Vice President of Business Development in the IBD channel. She is a twelve year veteran of the financial services industry with a successful track record focusing on business development and strategic management. Ms. Martin has managed the top broker/dealer firms in the independent channel, she has built and managed national account teams and expanded the selling groups for the investment firms she has represented. She has grown market share within the selling groups through partnering with broker/dealer firms and national sales teams for targeted marketing opportunities. She has an eighteen year background in sales and sales management that led to her leadership positions in National Accounts within the independent channel for alternative investment firms.
“Highland was very attractive to me as a company that has committed both the time and personnel to building its sales efforts in the independent broker dealer channel,” said Ms. Martin. “The firm has a successful 20-year history and is recognized as a pioneer in providing leading alternative strategies to its clients.”
About Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors
Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors is a SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with its affiliates, has approximately $19.5 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, long only funds and separate accounts, distressed and special situation private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Highland also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets, long/short equities, and natural resources. Highland’s diversified client base includes public pension plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial institutions, fund of funds, governments, and high net-worth individuals. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and maintains offices in New York, Sao Paolo, Singapore, and Seoul.