TIAA-CREF today announced the appointment of two new regional equity research directors -- Laurie Fitch as the head of European equity research and Amy Hatta as the head of equity research for Japan.
In the newly created positions Fitch and Hatta report to Tom Franks, head of global equity research, and are based in TIAA-CREF's headquarters in New York City. They are responsible for providing a regional perspective to the sector research conducted in their areas.
"With the increasingly global nature of equity research, this is a critical move for TIAA-CREF reflecting our commitment to enhancing our worldwide coverage," said Susan Ulick, senior managing director and head of equity investment. "Laurie and Amy are two very strong additions to TIAA-CREF's equity investment leadership team. As experienced and skilled analysts they will help TIAA-CREF continue to add value for our customers through active investment management."
TIAA-CREF's centralized equity research staff consists of about 40 analysts with plans to expand to more than 50 over the next two years.
Fitch joined TIAA-CREF in 2002 and has served as the international utilities and infrastructure analyst and manager of the Global Utilities and Telecommunications portfolio. She is also a member of the international planning committee of the Edison Electric Institute. Prior to joining TIAA-CREF, Fitch held positions at UBS Warburg and at the Bank of New York. Fitch has a B.A. in Arabic and an M.A. from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
Hatta also joined TIAA-CREF in 2002 and has served as an equity research analyst covering Japanese stocks. Prior to joining TIAA-CREF, Hatta was an associate research analyst with Merrill Lynch. She has over six years of equity research experience. Hatta holds a B.B.A. from Northwood University and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University.
About TIAA-CREF
TIAA-CREF is a national financial services organization with more than $370 billion in combined assets under management (12/31/05) and the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields. Further information can be found at http://www.tiaa-cref.org.
© 2009 and prior years, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY 10017
