Highland Capital Hires Director of National Accounts for IBD Channel
Investment management company, Highland Capital Management (Highland), announced today the appointment of Carla Martin as Managing Director of National Accounts for the Independent Broker-Dealer channel for Highland Capital Funds Distributor, Inc.
The Dallas-based investment adviser firm specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, distressed and special situations private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). It also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets and natural resources. Along with its affiliates, Highland has more than $19.5 billion in assets under management.
Earlier this year, the company announced its first steps into non-traded products with the hire of Jennifer Ricci, whom Ms. Martin will now join in leading Highland’s national accounts effort in the Independent Broker-Dealer channel.
In her new role, Ms. Martin will expand the availability of Highland’s alternative products to retail investors through the independent broker-dealer channel. Ms. Martin has experience in sales management and prior relationships that will bring Highland products to more independent brokers.
“Ms. Martin’s appointment highlights Highland’s sustained commitment to building top-tier relationships in the independent broker dealer channel,” commented Brad Ross, President of Highland Capital Funds Distributor, Inc. He continued, “The passion, drive, and experience she brings to the Highland Funds team will enhance our efforts as we continue to expand our offerings in this channel.”
“Ms. Martin is considered one of the best national account representatives in the business and we are excited she has decided to join our team,” added Brian Mitts, Chief Operations Officer of Highland and head of business development for the independent channel.
Prior to joining Highland, Ms. Martin served as Senior Vice President of Business Development in the IBD channel for W.P. Carey. She has served in sales and sales management for 18 years and has been in the financial services industry for 12 years, during which time she has built and managed national account teams. In addition, Ms. Martin has expanded the selling groups for the investment firms she has worked for and grown their market share through partnerships with broker-dealer firms and national sales teams.
Of her new appointment, Ms. Martin commented, “Highland was very attractive to me as a company that has committed both the time and personnel to building its sales efforts in the independent broker dealer channel. The firm has a successful 20-year history and is recognized as a pioneer in providing leading alternative strategies to its clients.”