Former SEI Investments Exec Named President of Ulitmus LeverPoint Private Fund Solutions
Ultimus Fund Solutions, an independent provider of full-service administration, fund accounting, middle office, and investor solutions to traditional and alternative investment managers, has named James Cass president of Ultimus LeverPoint Private Fund Solutions. Cass formerly led SEI Investments’ alternative investments fund administration group.
Cass brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the operations and servicing space for both registered and alternative investments. As president of ULP, Cass will focus on “maintaining the firm’s service culture, strengthening client relationships and leading the strategy for the firm’s private fund administration business.” Thomas DiEgidio, who became president of ULP as part of Ultimus’ acquisition of FD Fund Administration in 2021, is transitioning into a client relationship advisory role with the firm.
“Jim is a well-respected and accomplished leader in the industry,” said Gary Tenkman, chief executive officer of Ultimus. “Bringing in someone of his caliber greatly benefits Ultimus and our clients. In the face of challenging markets and increased investor expectations, asset managers are looking for partners who can provide strategic services and advice across the operational spectrum. With his deep experience in the fund administration arena, Jim allows us to continue building on our leadership position in the investment operations and fund administration space while helping us offer new strategic services. We are thrilled to have him in this executive role, and we’re excited about the opportunities this presents for our business and our clients.”
While at SEI Investments, spanning the course of 30 years, Cass was the head of alternative fund administration for the majority of his time at the firm. In that role, he was responsible for over $750 billion of assets under administration, strategic direction, product development and the firm’s service model. Prior to running the alternative fund administration business, he held several senior roles of increasing responsibility at SEI; managing fund products, investment operations, client service, and portfolio production.
“I am very excited about joining Ultimus. Their clear strength is a laser focus on assisting clients in becoming more successful,” said Cass. “Client successes drive their business, and we will continue to focus on partnering with clients. Ultimus has an excellent reputation, a strong knowledgeable team, and a client-centric culture while remaining extremely nimble and innovative. Managers are facing an increasingly complex and competitive landscape, and I look forward to helping them with the team at Ultimus, capitalizing on the customized service model and technology investments. It’s a refreshing approach and an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to help drive the long-term success of the business.”
Cass is the latest in a series of new hires by Ultimus. In the past 12 months, the firm has brought on Joe Scott from UMB, Scott Trimble from SEI, Jeffrey Rosen from Citco, and three relationship managers: Lori Shupak from SS&C, Erin Whyman from BNY Mellon, and Christina Haas with the FDFA acquisition.
Ultimus Fund Solutions provides full-service fund administration, accounting, middle office, and investor services to support the launch and servicing of registered funds, private funds, and public plans. The company also offers structures designed for pensions, endowments, foundations, and other large institutions. The firm services more than 1,600 traditional and alternative funds.
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