William Blair promotes Bitel to chief investment strategist

Olga Bitel joined the team in 2009 as a macro economist and has served as global strategist for the past eight years at the firm

Olga Bitel
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William Blair Investment Management has promoted Olga Bitel from global strategist to the newly created role of chief investment strategist after 17 years with the firm.

In the role, Bitel will help direct William Blair’s investment perspective across markets and economies, providing investors with insights into long-term investment opportunities and wider geopolitical and financial developments. She will also engage with clients to provide context on the developments behind long-term investment decisions.

Commenting on the appointment, Bitel said she was honoured to take on the role. “William Blair’s investment platform is distinguished by the depth of expertise across our teams and our commitment to active management.

“I look forward to helping communicate our perspectives on the issues that matter most to clients and supporting the firm’s continued growth as a trusted investment partner.”

Bitel initially joined the team as a macro economist in 2009, following a six year career as a senior economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

Bob Kendall, global head of investment management at William Blair, said: “For years, we have benefitted from Olga’s deep investment knowledge, global perspective, and ability to connect macroeconomic developments to portfolio outcomes.

“We are pleased to formally appoint her as our chief investment strategist, as she is uniquely qualified for this role.”

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