Putnam Announces Fixed Income Leadership Additions

D. William Kohli, Michael V. Salm, and Paul D. Scanlon — industry veterans who have a combined 40+ years of experience at Putnam — will co-head the firm’s fixed income team of over 60 investment professionals, who manage nearly $60 billion. Kohli, Salm, and Scanlon will report to Walter C. Donovan, Chief Investment Officer.   

According to the announcement, Rob Bloemker, who has led the firm’s fixed income team since late 2007, has decided to leave Putnam Investments. Following the transition period, portfolio management responsibilities previously undertaken by Bloemker will be assumed by other members of the respective product teams, including Kohli, Salm and Scanlon.  

Kohli joined Putnam in 1994.  He has been a team leader of the Portfolio Construction Team within the Core Fixed Income group, specializing in global and non-U.S. multi-sector mandates.  He is also a portfolio manager of Putnam Global Income Trust, Putnam Diversified Income Trust, Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund, Putnam Premier Income Trust and Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust.   

Previously, Kohli held co-director, Global Bond Team and senior portfolio manager roles at Franklin Advisors/Templeton Investment Counsel.  He has a B.A. from University of California, San Diego, and an M.B.A. from University of California, Berkeley.  

Salm joined Putnam in 1997.  A team leader of the Liquid Markets group, he is also a portfolio manager of Putnam Global Income Trust, Putnam U.S. Government Income Trust, Putnam American Government Income Fund, Putnam Income Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund and Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund.  

Previously, Salm held various investment, trading and research responsibilities at BlackRock Financial Management, Nomura Securities, Nikko Securities and Fitch Investor Services. He has a B.S. from Cornell University.   

Scanlon joined Putnam in 1999.  A team leader of the U.S. High Yield Fixed Income group, he is also a portfolio manager on Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund, Putnam Diversified Income Trust, Putnam Floating Rate Income Fund, Putnam Global High Yield Bond Fund, Putnam High Yield Advantage Fund, Putnam High Yield Trust, Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust and Putnam Premier Income Trust.   

Before joining Putnam, Scanlon was senior vice president at Olympus Health Care Group and senior analyst, fixed income at Fidelity Investments.  He began his career as assistant treasurer, corporate finance at National Westminster Bank.  Scanlon has a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.B.A. from University of Chicago.