RIDGEWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Emerging Global Advisors, an asset management company specializing in more precise exposures to emerging market investment opportunities, today announced that Marten S. Hoekstra has joined the firm as Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Hoekstra was most recently CEO of UBS Wealth Management Americas and a member of parent company UBS' Group Executive Board. He assumes the CEO position from founder Robert Holderith, who will continue as president and concentrate on investment product development, a discipline that has been a primary focus throughout Mr. Holderith’s career.
"Emerging markets are becoming an increasingly important area for US investors pursuing growth strategies and we are on the forefront of offering more precise investment exposures with better tools to execute these strategies,” said Mr. Holderith. “We aim to be the leading brand for emerging market investing and Marten has the global vision and experience to ensure we achieve our goals and objectives. We are significantly advantaged having him lead our team.”
Emerging Global Advisors is advisor to the EGShares family of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which target specific investment sectors or themes and allow investors access to more precise market exposures. The company currently manages nine emerging market ETF products offering exposures to the energy, financial, and mining and minerals sectors, emerging market consumers, and the respective infrastructures of Brazil, India, or China. Additional ETFs and other investment products are planned.
“Joining Emerging Global Advisors provides a rare and incredibly exciting opportunity to build a powerful brand in what will likely be the fastest-growing segment in asset management during the next few years,” Mr. Hoekstra said. “We believe that American investors are losing their home-country portfolio construction orientation and investing in faster growing economies. Bob Holderith and his team were among the first to appreciate that emerging market investors wanted more precise investment tools to implement their investment insights and the firm has the experience and skill-set to develop products that deliver truer investment exposures. Allowing Bob to focus more on product development will help ensure the company’s competitive position and strategic advantages."
Prior to joining Emerging Global Advisors, Mr. Hoekstra spent 26 years at UBS, which includes his executive positions with a predecessor firm, PaineWebber. After 2001, he held various management roles in Zurich and the United States on the executive committee of the firm's Global Wealth Management & Business Banking unit, including Deputy CEO. He was also Head of Market Strategy and Development for UBS’ wealth management businesses outside of North America. He became a member of UBS' Group Managing Board in July 2002.
Mr. Hoekstra previously served as a Director of the Securities Industry Association. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
About Emerging Global Advisors
Emerging Global Advisors LLC is an independent investment advisory firm and the advisor to the EGShares family of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The EGShares product offerings are designed to provide investment exposures that allow more accurate targeting of important emerging market opportunities. More information on the firm and its investment products can be found at www.egshares.com. The Emerging Global Shares Exchange-Traded Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risk factors and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-888-800-4EGS (4347) or by visiting the fund's website www.egshares.com to view or download a prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. These funds are new and not suitable for all investors.
ETFs are subject to risk similar to those of stocks including those regarding short-selling and margin account maintenance. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Emerging Global Advisors, LLC.
Emerging market investments do involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles, from economic or political instability in other nations or increased volatility and lower trading volume. This fund will concentrate its investments in issuers of one or more particular industries to the same extent that its Underlying Index is so concentrated and to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory guidance. Concentration risk results from maintaining exposure to issuers conducting business in a specific industry.