Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors Welcomes Deepak Devaraj as New President and CIO

Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors Welcomes Deepak Devaraj

In a significant leadership transition, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors (KoCAA) has announced the appointment of Mr. Deepak Devaraj as its new President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO), effective immediately. This news comes as the organization continues to expand its reach and enhance its investment strategies rooted in Catholic values.

Deepak Devaraj's Role and Responsibilities

Mr. Devaraj brings over twenty-five years of experience in the investment industry, marked by a distinguished career at leading financial institutions. His responsibilities at KoCAA encompass overseeing the management of the General Account investment portfolio, advising on mutual fund strategies, and leading the internal Investment Department where fixed income and equity strategies are central to its operations. Additionally, he will provide oversight for KoCAA's externally managed investment programs, ensuring they align with the organization's mission.

In making this pivotal announcement, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Mr. Devaraj to the KoCAA team, emphasizing the importance of financial security for Catholic families—a mission embedded in the organization's ethos since its inception over 140 years ago by Blessed Michael McGivney.

A Commitment to Catholic Investing

KoCAA stands out in the investment sector due to its commitment to Catholic Social Teaching. With assets exceeding $30 billion under management, the firm offers clients a comprehensive suite of Catholic-compliant investment solutions. These include a diverse array of mutual funds and model portfolios tailored to meet the unique financial goals of Catholic institutions.

"More than ever, Catholic investors are looking for firms that reflect their moral and cultural values. Our broad portfolio of Catholic-compliant investment products showcases our commitment to delivering results without sacrificing principles," said Mr. Devaraj. This direction positions KoCAA as not just an investment firm but a steward of faith-based investing.

Background and Experience

Before joining KoCAA, Mr. Devaraj served as the Global Head of Electronic Trading at Oppenheimer & Co., where he pioneered significant advancements in electronic market innovation. His extensive experience includes senior leadership roles in trading and portfolio construction, as well as developing technology-driven platforms enhancing transparency and execution for institutional investors.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Devaraj's relationship with the organization is both personal and professional, underscoring his dedication to serving the Catholic community. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and various FINRA licenses, further solidifying his expertise in the financial domain.

Transition of Leadership

Following Mr. Devaraj's appointment, Nicholas Gentile, who served as the Interim President and CIO, will now take on the role of Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Fixed Income. This transition reflects KoCAA’s internal commitment to providing continuous leadership and investment strategy oversight.

Celebrating a Decade of Excellence

KoCAA recently marked a decade of providing faith-based investment solutions, growing in alignment with the financial objectives of Catholic entities such as dioceses, universities, and hospitals. In recent years, the firm launched initiatives like the individual advisor representative program, expanding their reach with nearly 200 financial advisors today.

To learn more about Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors and view the KoCAA Impact Report, interested individuals can visit kofcassetadvisors.org. KoCAA stands not just as a financial investment option, but as a partner supporting the charitable mission of the Knights of Columbus, solidifying the belief that faith and finance can coexist harmoniously.

In conclusion, Mr. Deepak Devaraj’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era for KoCAA, advocating for a blend of performance and principles. As the sector adapts and evolves, KoCAA remains committed to delivering value while nurturing the underlying mission that drives its operations.