Fidelity Taps Lawson as President of FMR Corp.

Fidelity said in a news release that the 60-year-old Lawson, who was most recently vice chairman responsible for the International Insurance and Investments Division of Prudential Financial, will assume his new position August 6. Lawson will report to Edward C. Johnson 3d, Fidelity chairman and chief executive officer, the announcement said.

“Rodger has the breadth of financial services experience, as well as experience with Fidelity, which makes him ideally suited for this job,” said Johnson, in the press release. Lawson headed Fidelity’s Retail Operation in the late 1980s. “Since then,” Johnson said, “he has significantly broadened his experience at Prudential and elsewhere and we believe he is the right person for the job.”

According to Fidelity, Lawson will be responsible for:

• Fidelity Employer Services Company,
• Fidelity Investments Distribution and Operations Company; and
• Fidelity Technology Group.

Johnson will continue to oversee Fidelity Management & Research Company, Pyramis Global Advisors and Devonshire Investors, and the firm’s administrative function.

The Fidelity news release said Lawson was elected vice chairman of Prudential Financial in August 2002 following a stint as executive vice president.