Equity Management

Specialists in small cap and small-mid cap investing for institutional investors.

 

Strong net inflows and performance drive Mesirow Equity Management’s AUM above $1 billion

The team’s AUM advanced more than 25%, reflecting marketplace interest in the team’s differentiated approach and their ability to navigate volatile and uncertain macroeconomic conditions. 

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$1B
headshot of Leo Harmon
“We emphasize quality, attractive returns on capital, strong financial flexibility and proven management teams as we diversify portfolios—and manage risk—through sector and security selection.”

Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager

Meet the Equity team

Portfolio managers supported by sector specialists seeking the best outcomes for our clients.

Consistent investment performance

The selection of investment opportunities with attractive valuations and identifiable catalysts that are expected to generate accelerating earnings and cash flow growth, we believe, is the key to consistent investment performance. We seek superior results with less risk by participating in up markets and protecting capital in down markets. 

Our clients benefit from strategies that are:

ALIGNED

Our firm is employee owned. Our investment team members are Mesirow shareholders and invest in our strategies alongside clients. Our success aligns with yours.

DISCIPLINED

Our buy and sell disciplines ensure ownership in high conviction ideas, and our investment process actively manages portfolio risk.

HOLISTIC

We overlay top-down macroeconomic analysis—quite rare for a small cap investor—to identify companies that are positioned to benefit from constructive macro and sector trends.

STABLE

Our effort to preserve capital in down markets is well suited for investors who have annual spending requirements or regularly scheduled retirement benefit payments.

Strategies

Key facts | Fact sheets | Market commentary


    Investment philosophy:  Relative value  

    Investment style:  Value

    Market capitalization:  Range of the Russell 2000 Index

    Number of holdings:  70-90

    Position weight:  1-2%

    Benchmark:  Russell 2000 Value Index

    Portfolio Managers:  Kathy Vorisek, Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA  & Andrew Hadland, CFA

    Inception:  7.1.1994 

    FACT SHEET

    Market Commentary


    Investment philosophy:  Relative value  

    Investment style:  Core

    Market capitalization:  Range of the Russell 2000 Index

    Number of holdings:  70-90

    Position weight:  1-2%

    Benchmark:  Russell 2000 Index

    Portfolio Managers:  Kathy Vorisek, Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA  & Andrew Hadland, CFA

    Inception:  4.1.2019

    FACT SHEET

    Market Commentary


    Investment philosophy:  Relative value  

    Investment style:  Value

    Market capitalization: Range of the Russell 2500 Index

    Number of holdings: 70-90

    Position weight: 1-2%

    Benchmark: Russell 2500 Value Index

    Portfolio Managers:  Kathy Vorisek, Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA  & Andrew Hadland, CFA

    Inception: 5.1.2010

    FACT SHEET

    Market Commentary

    Choice in investment vehicle

    An in-depth profile on the differentiated strengths of Mesirow Equity Management

    The CEO Magazine article explains that in an industry that is seeking to increase diversity, Kathryn Vorisek and Leo Harmon, Senior Managing Directors, foster an inclusive team that has consistently outperformed the market.

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    Leo Harmon and Kathy Vorisek

    Team

    Headshot of Kathryn Vorisek

    Kathryn A. Vorisek

    Senior Managing Director, Head of Equity Management, Portfolio Manager | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Leo Harmon

    Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA

    Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Andrew Hadland

    Andrew S. Hadland, CFA

    Managing Director, Director of Research, Portfolio Manager | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of John Nelson

    John L. Nelson, CFA, FSA Credential Holder

    Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Eric Jacobsohn

    Eric M. Jacobsohn, CFA, FSA Credential Holder

    Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Bashir Ahmad

    Bashir Ahmad

    Managing Director, Research Analyst | Mesirow Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Caleb Ezell

    Caleb Ezell

    Senior Vice President, Research Analyst | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Lisa Carriere Jackson

    Lisa Carriere Jackson

    Vice President | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot for Mike Arens

    Mike Arens, CFA

    Research Analyst | Equity Management

    Profile
    Headshot of David Meyer

    David J. Meyer

    Senior Managing Director | Investment Management

    Profile
    Heashot of Eric Welt

    Eric J. Welt, CFA

    Managing Director | Global Investment Management

    Profile
    Headshot of Jim DeZellar

    Jim DeZellar, CFA

    Managing Director | Global Investment Management Distribution

    Profile

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    The information contained herein is intended for institutions and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow investment vehicle(s). Any offer can only be made through the appropriate Offering Memorandum which contains important information concerning risk factors and other material aspects of the investment and should be read carefully before an investment decision is made. A complete list of composites can be made available upon request. Information is provided in U.S. dollar denominations.

    It should not be assumed that any recommendations incorporated herein will be profitable or will equal past performance. Any stated performance results include the reinvestment of dividends and other earnings. The Mesirow name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. Investment management services offered by Mesirow Institutional Investment Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc. member FINRA and SIPC.