Gerend Leads Advantus Capital Relationship Management

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Julie Gerend, St. Paul, MN, joined Advantus Capital Management as senior vice president, Institutional Accounts and Insurance Advisory Sales effective May 31. She leads Advantus’ Institutional and Insurance Advisory client service and sales initiatives for institutional clients nationwide and reports to Chris Sebald, executive vice president and chief investment officer.

“She brings a wealth of experience to Advantus and we believe her leadership in the investment management business will help to expand our external asset management significantly.”

Gerend has extensive experience in client service and business development, most recently as marketing director at Blue Rock Advisors in Wayzata, MN. Before that, she was senior vice president and director of client service and marketing at Peregrine Capital Management in Minneapolis, MN. Gerend has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN where she also has served as an adjunct professor of finance. In 2004, she was named one of the Top Women in Finance in the Twin Cities by Finance and Commerce.

“We’re very excited that Julie is joining us,” said Sebald. “She brings a wealth of experience to Advantus and we believe her leadership in the investment management business will help to expand our external asset management significantly.”

Gerend is an active volunteer, serving on the investment committees for Allina Health Systems, Catholic Charities and the WCA Foundation.

Advantus Capital manages more than $21 billion in assets for institutional investors by drawing upon the market insights and business experience of its team of approximately 100 investment associates. Using a client-focused philosophy and collaborative, research-driven process, Advantus builds customized investment strategies for insurance companies and other institutional investors. Advantus is an affiliate of Securian Financial Group, Inc. which has provided financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, investments and retirement plans since 1880.