Barings appoints Mike Freno as new CEO

Barings appoints Mike Freno as new CEO
Mike Freno Chairman, CEO and President, Barings LLC Image: Courtesy of Barings

Global investment manager Barings has appointed Mike Freno as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO).

Mike Freno will succeed Tom Finke who has served as chairman and CEO since 2016 and will retire from Barings at the end of November.

Mike Freno is currently president, a role he assumed in February of this year. He is a member of Barings’ Senior Leadership Team, Barings Board of Directors and Chairman of Barings BDC.

“Mike Freno is a strong and distinguished leader, with a record of profitably growing the business and serving our institutional investors globally,” said Tom Finke. “He embodies Barings’ values and dedication to serving our clients, firm and communities. As Barings’ new Chairman and CEO, Mike will continue to grow Barings as a global player in the asset management industry.”

Freno has been with Barings for more than 15 years. Mike Freno’s experience includes two decades on the buy-side, focusing on both equity and debt investments.

Since becoming president in early 2020, Freno has integrated all of Barings’ investments businesses – public and private credit, real estate and specialty equity markets – in addition to operations, technology, product management, distribution and marketing. 


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“I am incredibly excited and humbled to be entrusted with leading such a renowned name in financial services,” said Mike Freno. “I look forward to collaborating closely with our global team of 1,800 professionals and continuing to partner with our clients to help them achieve their long-term financial objectives.”  

“My first priority will be engaging virtually with our clients and our employees around the world,” said Freno. “We have tremendous momentum heading into 2021, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Our goal is to be our clients’ most trusted partner and we are doubling down on our efforts to achieve this.”

Mike Freno holds a B.A. from Furman University and an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University. He is a long-time Charlotte, N.C. resident and an active member of the community.