WILTON, CT (November 3, 2021) – Commonfund, a prominent investment manager for institutional investors, today announced the publication of its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report (“DEI Report” or “Report”). The Report outlines the work Commonfund has done to advance DEI initiatives within its organization and sets a standard of accountability and transparency around the work the firm intends to accomplish in this area going forward.
The Report showcases the firm’s efforts to generate sustainable momentum in the DEI space and underscores Commonfund’s belief that a diverse workforce leads to higher quality work, better decision-making and greater employee and client satisfaction.
“We recognize that increasing diversity, equity and inclusion requires a dedicated effort with a long term horizon," said Mark Anson, Commonfund’s CEO and CIO. “While we have put tremendous work into advancing DEI within our own walls and among the managers that we work with, as well as within the asset management industry at large, we still have work to do. As such, transparency and accountability are critical if we are to make progress on DEI over the years to come.”
The DEI Report outlines initiatives currently underway at Commonfund, including the firm’s continued efforts to promote racial and ethnic diversity through research and thought leadership, as well as strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and trade associations. The Report provides insight into the gender, racial and ethnic demographics of Commonfund’s workforce and promotion rates, and shares examples of programming and recruitment tactics the firm employs. Also highlighted in the Report is Commonfund’s work with diverse investment managers , noting the firm’s increase in the number of meetings and investments with this manager base.
Commonfund’s work and commitment to fostering DEI was formalized in 2017 with the establishment of a volunteer Diversity Committee and the implementation of a policy requiring the consideration of at least one diverse candidate for all open positions. In 2018, Commonfund created its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, serving as a resource and clearinghouse of information for diversity in the broader asset management industry. In 2019, Commonfund launched its proprietary Diverse Manager Database and dedicated Diverse Manager Portal, followed in 2020 by its first Diverse Manager Day. During the same year, Commonfund developed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy for the entire organization.
Commonfund intends to publish its DEI Report on a biennial basis going forward. To learn more about Commonfund’s DEI work and progress, view the full DEI Report and visit the website.