Aaron Cooper Named EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Putnam Investments

BOSTON, February 13, 2019 — In an ongoing effort to stimulate innovation, maximize opportunities on behalf of clients, and manage its business in a dynamic, but thoughtful manner, Putnam Investments today announced the appointment of Aaron Cooper to the newly created role of EVP and Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to Putnam Investments President and CEO Robert L. Reynolds.

As EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Cooper will oversee several of Putnam’s business areas, including Investments, Operations, Digital Technology, and Global Investment Strategies (the firm’s product strategy group).

Cooper, age 41, who previously served as the Chief Investment Officer of Equities for the $170 billion asset manager, will be replaced by Putnam veteran Shep Perkins, age 48, in that role. Perkins has been Co-Head of Equities with portfolio management responsibilities at the firm. Both Cooper and Perkins joined Putnam in 2011.

“Successfully operating in today’s asset management environment requires continual evolution and reinvention – both in internal structure and in serving the marketplace,” said Reynolds. “We believe that our new leadership model, including the creation of a Chief Operating Officer role, will allow Putnam to strongly align its resources around many of its key priorities as we move forward.”

Reynolds added, “I look forward to working closely with Aaron in further strengthening Putnam’s strategic focus and driving key aspects of our firm’s business goals. Aaron brings impressive intellectual depth, superior management experience, and an unyielding commitment to the mission at hand, which will only serve to benefit our firm and our clients.”

About Aaron Cooper

Aaron Cooper is EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Putnam Investments, where he oversees the firm’s Investments, Operations, Digital Technology, and Global Investment Strategies businesses. Prior, Cooper was Chief Investment Officer, Equities, responsible for leading Putnam’s Equity group, including the portfolio management, research, and trading areas. In addition, he has been a portfolio manager of Putnam Global Sector Fund, Putnam Research Fund, and George Putnam Balanced Fund. Cooper joined Putnam in 2011.

Before joining Putnam, Cooper was Managing Director of Research at Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2011. He also formerly managed Fidelity Advisor Health Care Fund, Fidelity VIP Health Care Portfolio, Fidelity Select Leisure Portfolio, and Fidelity Select Medical Equipment and Systems Portfolio. Cooper holds a B.A. degree in Economics from Harvard University. He has been in the investment industry since 2000.

About Shep Perkins

Shep Perkins is Chief Investment Officer, Equities, where he leads the firm’s equity group, including the portfolio management, research, and trading teams. Before that, Perkins was Co-Head of Equities, responsible for providing strategic direction to portfolio managers and equity analysts. In addition, Perkins is a portfolio manager of Putnam Global Equity Fund and Putnam Sustainable Leaders Fund. He joined Putnam in 2011.

Prior to joining Putnam, Perkins was the portfolio manager of Fidelity Mid-Cap Stock Fund from 2005 to 2011. Prior to that, he was responsible for Fidelity OTC Fund. He received a B.A. in Economics from Amherst College and is a CFA Charterholder. He has been in the investment industry since 1993.

Strong performance, strong flows at Putnam

At the end of December 2018, Putnam had 22 active mutual funds* with an overall rating of four or five stars by Morningstar, a respected industry observer. Moreover, in March 2018, Barron’s ranked Putnam one of the top ten mutual fund families across multiple time periods for the past decade, based on strong investment performance across asset classes. The firm ranked 7th (out of 58) for one year, 7th (out of 53) for five years, and 9th (out of 49) for ten years.

In 2018, Putnam had net inflows overall, and positive flows in each of its three primary business lines: retail mutual fund, institutional, and defined contribution – investment only.

About Putnam Investments

Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is a leading global money management firm with over 80 years of investment experience. At the end of January 2019, Putnam had approximately $170 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit putnam.com.

*Class Y shares as of December 31, 2018.


316011

Putnam Investments Congratulates the New England Patriots on Sixth Super Bowl Championship

BOSTON, February 4, 2019Putnam Investments today saluted the New England Patriots on their Super Bowl victory yesterday, their third championship in the past five years. The win represents the sixth National Football League title under the ownership of Robert Kraft and the Kraft Sports Group, and under the leadership of Head Coach Bill Belichick and Quarterback Tom Brady — who have won more championships than any other coach-quarterback combination in history.

“Putnam Investments would like to congratulate the entire New England Patriots organization for their outstanding victory and impressive team effort yesterday, in a continuing display of unparalleled greatness,” said Putnam Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Reynolds. “Sustained excellence has been a hallmark of the New England Patriots for the past two decades, and the team’s achievements this year — in Super Bowl LIII and throughout the season — are yet another reminder of the power of hard work and commitment to performing at the highest level.”

Putnam Investments has been the official investment management sponsor of the New England Patriots since 2011. Putnam and the Patriots, one of the world’s leading sports franchises, have a multifaceted, multiyear marketing agreement through Putnam’s Performance in Motion affinity marketing program. The agreement combines extensive awareness-building opportunities with high-profile branding at Gillette Stadium, as well as substantial local and national exposure through the media.

For the fifth season, Putnam enabled Patriots fans to share their enthusiasm through Patriots Fancam, which allows those who attend a game at Gillette Stadium to download high-resolution images of themselves and share them with friends, family and colleagues via email and on social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter.

Putnam’s Performance in Motion affinity marketing program draws upon sports that appeal to its advisor, institutional and investor audiences. As part of this effort, the firm works closely with teams and athletes who best personify Putnam’s focus on performing at the highest level. For more information, please visit www.putnam.com/performanceinmotion/.

About Putnam Investments

Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is a leading global money management firm with over 80 years of investment experience. At the end of December 2018, Putnam had $160 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit putnam.com.