Gretchen Lam, senior portfolio manager of Octagon Credit Investors, will succeed Andrew Gordon as CEO of the company, effective Jan. 1, 2024. At that time, Gordon will assume the role of executive chair of the board of managers.
Gordon co-founded the firm in 1994. As executive chair, he will focus on supporting the continued growth of Octagon’s businesses and executing a seamless leadership transition. He will also continue to serve as a member of the firm’s investment committee and Conning’s, Octagon’s majority shareholder, operating committee.
“Gretchen has been an integral part of Octagon’s success during her 20-plus years at the firm,” Gordon said. “This is a well-earned promotion, and I couldn’t be more excited for her. Gretchen possesses the right balance of intelligence, experience and temperament to lead Octagon in the years ahead. As we enter our 30th year as a firm, it is the right time to transition the leadership of the organization to the next generation.”
Lam joined the firm in 1999 after graduating from Babson College Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in investments. Throughout her 24-year career at Octagon, Lam has held several leadership positions across the organization. She has served as a member of Octagon’s investment committee since 2013. As a senior portfolio manager, she has managed various CLOs, separate accounts and commingled funds and oversees the firm’s structured credit (CLO debt and equity) investment strategies. She joined Octagon’s board of managers in 2021 and was appointed to Conning’s operating committee in 2023. Lam is also a member of Octagon’s ESG committee and previously served as co-head of Conning Holdings Limited’s (CHL) diversity, equity and inclusion council.
As CEO, Lam will oversee Octagon’s business strategy and lead the firm in its next phase of growth, further to the previously announced news that Generali Group will acquire CHL, which includes Conning, Octagon and other affiliates, subject to various regulatory approvals.
“I am honored to serve as the next CEO of Octagon at an exciting time in the firm’s growth trajectory,” Lam said. “It has been my privilege to learn from and work alongside Andy for many years, and I look forward to upholding his strong commitment to serving our clients and employees. I am also excited to collaborate with Conning and Generali to explore strategic opportunities that leverage Octagon’s investment expertise.”
“Andy has built Octagon into a world-class investment franchise. Among his many contributions to the firm’s success has been his commitment to developing talent and advancing existing leadership,” Woody Bradford, CEO of Conning and chair of the board of Octagon, said. “Gretchen’s extensive investment and management experience make her uniquely qualified to lead Octagon through our next phase of expansion, and I am excited to work with her and the entire Octagon team to realize our ambitions.”
