Daria Foster becomes managing partner, Robert Dow takes newly created spot. Money manager Lord Abbett has made a handful of new executive appointments, including that of Robert Dow into the newly created position of senior partner and of Daria Foster as managing partner.

"Consistent leadership and diligent succession planning have been hallmarks of Lord Abbett; therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce these changes," says Dow. "Throughout Daria's career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the firm's values of integrity, teamwork, and partnership."

Two more Roberts

Dow started with Lord Abbett in the 1970s. He had been the firm's managing partner of since 1996. In his new role, he will continue to be chairman of Lord Abbett's mutual-fund family.

Foster has been responsible for Lord Abbett's sales and marketing campaigns in institutional retail for the past two years. She joined the firm in 1990 and became a partner in 1996. She will continue as president and director of the firm's mutual funds.

Robert Gerber will replace Dow as Lord Abbett's CIO.

Gerber, who has been with the firm since 1997 and became a partner in 1998, will manage 18 "investment capabilities" and a staff of more than 120, including 25 partners.

"Bob demonstrates the qualities valued in a CIO," says Foster. "He is actively engaged in our investment activities, and encourages communication and dialogue among investment professionals."

Robert Lee, a partner, will take Gerber's old spot as director of the firm's taxable fixed-income offerings.

Jersey City, N.J.-based Lord Abbett manages around $113 billion in assets through a range of mutual funds and separately managed accounts for institutional and individual investors. -FWR

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