SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Iridian is, at heart, an investment organization. We are dedicated to independent research, investment rigor and the mitigation of risk in the service of our clients and the assets they have entrusted to our care.
David L. Cohen
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Co-President
David co-founded Iridian in 1996 with Harold Levy and is a portfolio manager for the First Eagle Fund of America. Previously, David worked as a portfolio manager with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc., Furman Selz Maer Dietz & Bierney, and W.R. Family Associates. He also served as a research analyst with Central National Gottesman and Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb. David holds a BA in Economics from Vassar College (1977), an MBA from New York University (1978), and a JD from the University of Miami School of Law (1981).
Harold J. Levy
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Co-President
Harold co-founded Iridian in 1996 and is a portfolio manager for the First Eagle Fund of America. Previously, Harold worked as a portfolio manager with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. He also served as a research analyst with Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb and E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Company. Harold holds a BA in Economics from Wesleyan University (1975) and an MBA from University of Chicago (1979).
Jeffrey M. Elliott
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Jeff has been with Iridian since its inception and is responsible for day-to-day company management, ranging from finance, legal and regulatory compliance, to administrative and operations functions, and human resources. From 1980-1995, he worked for the law firm of Hartman & Craven LLP, first as an associate for four years and then 11 years as partner, concentrating on matters relating to business and securities laws. He began his professional career as an associate attorney at Shearman & Sterling LLP from 1978-1980. Jeff holds a BA in American Civilization from Williams College (1974), an MS in Sport Administration from the University of Massachusetts (1975), and a JD from Albany Law School of Union University (1978), where he served as editor-in-chief of the Albany Law Review (1977-1978). Jeff is a member of the New York and Florida bars.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The value and integrity of Iridian as an investment organization is intrinsically linked to the consistent application of our investment philosophy across all client portfolios. Our portfolio managers are the guardians of the process and of ensuring it is applied rigorously and consistently.
Sturgis P. Woodberry, CFA
Managing Director
Sturgis joined Iridian in 2003 and is responsible for the management of Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios and the Iridian Charter Fund, LP. Previously, Sturgis worked as a portfolio manager and research analyst with Oppenheimer Capital. He also worked as a mergers and acquisitions associate with Dillon, Read & Co., as well as an associate with Citicorp Securities Markets, Inc. Sturgis holds an AB in History from Dartmouth College (1989) and an MBA from Harvard (1994). He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (1997).
Todd Raker
Managing Director
Todd joined Iridian in 2011 and is responsible for the management of Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, Todd worked seven years as a director in the equity research department of Deutsche Bank, and prior to that as a director in equity research for Credit Suisse First Boston and ING Baring Furman Selz. In addition, he served as an equity analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston, he worked in sales for Semiconductor Packaging Materials, and as a research associate with Strategic Planning Associates. Todd holds a BA in Economics from Brown University (1990) and an MSM from the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management (1995).
RESEARCH
Original, fundamental research is a cornerstone of our investment process. Our research professionals review publicly available documents, interview management, competitors and customers, and conduct numerous company visits to ensure a thorough understanding of a company’s operating and financial conditions.
Michele Drasher
Managing Director
Michele rejoined Iridian in August 2010 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Prior to rejoining Iridian in August 2010, she was with Iridian from its inception until December 2009 serving as a research analyst. Previously, she worked for six years as a research analyst with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. and she worked one year as a research assistant with Furman Selz Mager Dietz Birney. Michele holds a BA from New York University (1989).
Jill Jortner
Managing Director
Jill joined Iridian in 2014 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, she worked as an analyst at SAB Capital Management for one year. In addition, she worked from 2010 to 2012 as an analyst at Davidson Kempner Capital Management, from 2006 to 2010 as an analyst at Clovis Capital Management and from 2004 to 2006 as a research analyst and portfolio manager at Fidelity Management & Research. From 1999 to 2002, she worked in Equity Capital Markets at Goldman Sachs. Ms. Jortner holds a B.A. in Economics from Duke University (1999) and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management (2004).
Krishnamurthy (KK) Kalyankrishnan
Managing Director
KK joined Iridian in 2009 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Mr. Kalyanakrishnan joined the mid-capitalization team in January 2012 having previously working on the Iridian Opportunity Fund. In addition, he worked three years as an analyst at HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and also worked at Prudential Financial. Mr. Kalyanakrishnan holds a B.E. in Production Engineering from the University of Mumbai (2001), a M.S. in Statistics and Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (2004) and an M.B.A. from New York University (2009).
Vivien W. Liu
Managing Director
Vivien joined Iridian in 2000 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, Vivien worked as a portfolio manager and senior analyst with Rudman Capital Management, as well as an internal auditor with AT&T Corporation. Vivien holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Maryland at College Park (1992) and an MBA from New York University (1997).
Susan Potto
Managing Director
Susan joined Iridian in 2010 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. From 2002-2005 and from 2008 until she joined Iridian, Susan provided independent research services to the investment management community, including Iridian. From 2005-2008, she worked as a senior analyst covering stocks globally with Eagle Capital Partners. From 1996-2002, she was a global analyst for the Mutual Series Funds at Franklin Templeton and a portfolio manager for the Mutual Qualified Fund, the Mutual Beacon Sicav Fund and the Mutual Shares II Fund (cumulatively, $5bln AUM). Prior to 1996, Susan worked 10 years for Michael Price, who owned and managed the predecessor company, Heine Securities. Susan holds a BBA in Finance from Emory University (1987) and an MBA from New York University (1996).
Angela Rada-Saez
Managing Director
Angela joined Iridian in 2004 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, Angela worked two years as a market researcher in Latin American markets and the US Fundamental Data Group with Reuters. Angela holds a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut (2002) and an MBA from Columbia University (2010).
Ray Scanlan
Managing Director
Ray joined Iridian in January 2017 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portoflios. Previously, Ray worked as a partner at John W. Bristol & Co. for twelve years. In addition, he worked from 1998 to 2004 as a director/senior equity analyst at Citigroup Asset Management, from 1995 to 1998 as a manager at Marakon Associates and from 1992 to 1993 as a consultant at the European Community Commission/Lithuanian Investment Bank. From 1989 to 1992, he worked as a business analyst with McKinsey & Company. Mr. Scanlan holds a B.S. in Economics and B.A.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania (1989) and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management (1995).
Duncan Simmons
Managing Director
Duncan joined Iridian in 2008 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, Duncan worked as a research analyst with Coatue Management, as well as a strategic planning manager with SBA Communications. He also worked as an analyst with Lehman Brothers. Duncan holds a AB in Geography modified with Economics from Dartmouth College (1999) and an MBA from Columbia University (2006).
Eric Stone
Managing Director & Director of Research
Eric joined Iridian in 2012 and serves as a portfolio manager for the First Eagle Fund of America. Eric is also responsible for coordinating and supervising various aspects of the investment team. Previously, Eric worked over three years as a portfolio manager with Plural Investments. In addition, he worked from 2003 to 2008 as research analyst with Arience Capital. From 2000 to 2003, he worked in investment banking at Bear, Stearns, Co. Inc. Mr. Stone holds a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University (2000).
Lukasz H. Thieme, CFA
Managing Director
Lukasz joined Iridian in 2007 and serves as a portfolio manager for the First Eagle Fund of America. Previously, Lukasz worked as an analyst with LRL/Ritchie Capital, as well as an equity research associate with ABN AMRO. He also worked with Lipper Analytical Services. Lukasz holds both a BA in Economics and an MBA from Columbia University (1998 and 2007, respectively). He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (2002).
Christopher H. Willis
Managing Director
Chris joined Iridian in 2016 and serves as a research analyst for our Mid-Cap Value Equity portfolios. Previously, Chris worked as a partner and analyst at Impala Asset Management for twelve years. In addition, he worked from 2000 to 2004 as a senior analyst at JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management, from 1999 to 2000 as a senior analyst at Dreyfus Corporation and from 1992 to 1999 as a senior analyst at Schroder & Co. From 1988 to 1992, he worked as a senior analyst with Mabon Securities and Brown Brothers Harriman. He worked in various capacities with EF Hutton from 1983 to 1988. Mr. Willis holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University (1982).
TRADING
Our equity traders play a crucial role beyond trade execution. They stay abreast of developments across sectors and in individual securities, communicate market conditions, and follow news and price changes. By maintaining a “dialogue” with the Street, they contribute a unique perspective that benefits both our portfolio managers and research analysts.
Jason B. McLean
Vice President and Director of Trading
Jason joined Iridian in 2004 and is responsible for equity trading. Previously, Jason worked as a senior equity trader and in financial services management at AIM Investments. He also worked as a retail stockbroker with two regional broker/dealers. Jason holds a BS in Economics from Texas A&M University (1992).
Caroline B. Keenan
Vice President
Caroline has been with Iridian since its inception and is responsible for equity trading. Previously, Caroline worked as an equity trader with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. She also worked as a retail broker with Shearson Lehman Brothers. Caroline holds a BA in Economics from Bates College (1989).
Courtney B. McKenna
Vice President
Courtney has been with Iridian since its inception and is responsible for equity trading. Previously, Courtney worked as an equity trader with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. She also worked in institutional equity research sales and trading with Lehman Brothers. Courtney holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College (1991).
MARKETING & CLIENT SERVICE
Our client service professionals are essentially portfolio specialists. They possess an intimate knowledge of our philosophy, process and portfolio holdings, and are a vital bridge in the flow of investment information between Iridian and our clients.
Colin Morris
Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing & Client Service
Colin joined Iridian in 2003 and is responsible for client servicing of various institutional clients and business development. Previously, Colin worked for five years at Bank of Ireland Asset Management in Melbourne, Australia, where he was a Client Services Manager with responsibility for institutional clients. He also worked at Lifetime Assurance and Bank of Ireland Group Treasury, both members of the Bank of Ireland Group. Colin is a Business Studies graduate (1994) and holds an M.Sc. in Investment and Treasury (1997), both from Dublin City University, Ireland.
Brian L. Denny
Senior Vice President
Brian joined Iridian in 2003 and is responsible for client servicing of various institutional clients and business development. Previously, Brian worked as the Assistant Investment Officer/Portfolio Manager of the International Equities department at the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. He also worked at ICH Capital Management and PNC Financial Corp. Brian holds both a BA in Business Administration/Accounting and an MBA in Finance from Bellarmine University (1985 and 1988, respectively).
Mary Ellen Guzewicz, CFA
Senior Vice President
Meg joined Iridian in 2000 and is responsible for client servicing of various institutional clients and business development. Previously, Meg worked as a Managing Director in the Institutional Equity Sales Division of Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. She also worked as a security analyst with the College Retirement Equity Fund. Meg holds a BA in History from the University of Vermont (1973) and an MBA from Pace University (1979). She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (1982).
Edward J. Riley
Senior Vice President
Ed joined Iridian in 2010 and is responsible for client servicing of various institutional clients and business development. Previously, Ed worked for two years at EIM Management (USA) Inc., where he was Director of Client Services. He also worked at Bank of Ireland Asset Management (US) where he was a senior member of the Client Service Group. He worked at Lazard Frères Asset Management as a Marketing Associate. Ed holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Vermont (1988).
Carlos E. Montoulieu
Vice President
Carlos joined Iridian in 1997 and is responsible for managing data collection, reporting, and requests for proposal activities, as well as coordinating with staff on client service and business development needs. Previously, he worked as a marketing associate with Fiduciary Trust Company International. He also worked as a senior institutional consulting associate with Paine Webber Prime Asset Consulting Group (formerly Kidder Peabody), as well as a research associate with Cambridge Associates. Carlos holds a BSBA in Finance from Villanova University (1990).
COMPLIANCE
Independent monitoring ensures compliance with client mandates, risk management guidelines and the requirements of federal and state regulatory authorities.
Lane S. Bucklan, Esq.
Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Lane joined Iridian in 2003 and is responsible for all legal and compliance duties. He also serves as Chief Compliance Officer for Iridian’s affiliate IAM Capital Corporation (a limited purpose broker/dealer). Previously, Lane worked as Vice President—Legal and Compliance and Chief Compliance Officer for Rochdale Investment Management LLC, Rochdale Securities Corporation and RIM Securities LLC. He also worked as a Financial Consultant with Salomon Smith Barney, House Counsel for the Development Corporation for Israel and Capital for Israel, and Compliance Counsel for Advest, Inc. Lane holds a BA from Hofstra University (1989), a JD from Western New England University School of Law (1992) and an LLM in Corporate Law from New York University School of Law (1993). He is a member of the New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts bars and serves as an arbitrator for FINRA Dispute Resolution, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY
On-site technology oversight provides critically important technology solutions to meet the firm’s everyday technical needs, as well as the governance of Iridian’s data security and integrity requirements.
Frank D. Coloccia
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Frank joined Iridian in 2013 and is responsible for the analysis, implementation and ongoing maintenance of all technology solutions at Iridian, as well as maintaining data security and integrity for the firm. Frank has over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Iridian, Frank most recently served for six years as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Kenmar Olympia Group Inc., a registered investment advisory firm. Over the years he has held senior technology management positions at, and has served as a consultant to, a variety of firms. Frank holds a B.S. (1987) in Computer Information Systems and an M.B.A (1993) in Management Information Systems from Manhattan College.