Former Putnam Investment Management Chairman Charles E. Haldeman has been named CEO for housing lender Freddie Mac.

A news release from the McLean, Virginia-based Freddie Mac said the company’s board of directors has also elected Haldeman as a director. Haldeman is expected to begin work in August 2009, succeeding John A. Koskinen who has been serving as Freddie Mac’s interim chief executive officer since March 2009.

“Freddie Mac has both the opportunity and responsibility to be a strong and consistent force for the stability and health of both the housing market and the general economy and I am honored to join the company and to contribute to that fundamental task,” Haldeman said, in the release. Haldeman served with Putnam until June 30, 2009.

Prior to assuming the role of chairman of Putnam Investment Management in July 2008 (see “Haldeman to Leave Putnam Posts”), Haldeman served as president and chief executive officer of Putnam Investments, a position to which he was appointed in 2003. Prior to joining Putnam, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware Investments, and as president and chief operating officer of United Asset Management Corporation (UAM).