Columbia Management has announced four key appointments in its distribution and portfolio management areas. Jeffrey Peters joins as head of institutional distribution of the Bank of America-owned Columbia, reporting to president Michael Jones. Mr Peters will oversee Columbia Management's institutional sales, client service, consultant relations and international functions. He was most recently with Putnam Investments, where he oversaw that firm's international business operations. David Feldman and Beth Ann Brown were named heads of intermediary distribution, also reporting to Mr Jones. Feldman will serve as head of intermediary sales, responsible for all external and internal wholesale distribution of Columbia Management products through financial advisors, and Ms Brown will serve as strategic relations executive, responsible for strategic partnering and broadening relationships with intermediary firms. Both have previously held senior distribution roles for the organisation, following similar leadership roles at predecessor firms. Robert McConnaughey was named head of equity, reporting to Colin Moore, Columbia Management chief investment officer and head of alternative investments. Mr McConnaughey joined Columbia Management in 2002.