Crossmark CEO, President Mike Kern Steps Down; CIO Bob Doll Named Successor

Crossmark Global Investments CEO and President Mike Kern is stepping down to pursue other opportunities, and the faith-based investment management firm announced CIO Bob Doll will take on Kern’s responsibilities, effective immediately.

Doll, who joined Crossmark in 2021 as CIO, is also the portfolio manager for the firm’s multiple U.S. large-cap equity strategies. Crossmark reported $6.2 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023.

“Crossmark’s clients have benefitted from Bob’s exceptional investment expertise, market perspective, and institutional leadership ever since he joined our firm,” reads a statement from Crossmark’s board of directors. “We are excited about the vision and direction that he will bring to the organization in his expanded role as president and CEO.”

According to the announcement, Doll will continue to serve as CIO and remain manager of its U.S. large-cap equity strategies. The board also expressed gratitude to Kern, who leaves after eight years at the helm.

“Under Mike’s leadership over the past eight years, Crossmark has made strides in transforming our culture, deepening our bench across all departments, and positioning the firm to build on its investment expertise going forward,” according to the statement.

Doll joined Crossmark following a brief retirement from his job as a senior portfolio manager at Nuveen since 2012. Prior to Nuveen, he was chief equity strategist at BlackRock, and before that, he was president and CIO of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. Before joining Merrill Lynch, Doll was CIO of OppenheimerFunds.

“In my new role, I look forward to continuing to enhance the firm’s investment solutions and to leading a team that is notable for its talent, unique culture, and passion for delivering exceptional client service,” Doll said in a statement.