Cohen & Steers Names New Interim CFO Amid Leadership Transition

Leadership Transition at Cohen & Steers

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (NYSE: CNS), a prominent player in global investment management, has recently confirmed a significant change in its executive leadership. Raja Dakkuri, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has formally notified the company of his intention to resign from his position, effective October 17, 2025. This decision comes as Dakkuri has accepted another opportunity elsewhere.

The company is set to appoint Michael Donohue, the Senior Vice President and Controller, as the Interim Chief Financial Officer following Dakkuri's departure. Donohue, who has been pivotal in overseeing the firm’s financial and accounting functions, is expected to leverage his extensive experience to guide the finance department during this transitional phase.

Joseph Harvey, the Chief Executive Officer of Cohen & Steers, expressed gratitude towards Dakkuri for his invaluable contributions, stating, "Raja has made a positive impact on our firm and finance department. We thank him for his contributions to Cohen & Steers and wish him continued success." Under Dakkuri’s leadership, Cohen & Steers has achieved notable growth, solidifying its reputation in the investment management sector.

Michael Donohue: The Interim Successor

Michael Donohue has been a member of Cohen & Steers since May 2023, serving as the Senior Vice President and Controller. Prior to joining Cohen & Steers, he held the position of Managing Director and Corporate Controller at Hamilton Lane, where he was instrumental in the firm’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2017. His past experience also includes roles as the Assistant Controller at PQ Corporation and a Manager at KPMG, emphasizing his well-rounded expertise in finance and accounting.

Donohue’s appointment as interim CFO is seen as a strategic move, given his direct involvement in the financial workings of the company and his familiarity with internal processes and policies. Harvey stated, “Mike has direct, broad-based experience in our financial and accounting functions as a senior member of the finance department, and is well prepared to lead the department as interim Chief Financial Officer.”

Future Developments

In light of Dakkuri's resignation, Cohen & Steers has commenced a search for a permanent replacement. The search will encompass both internal candidates and external prospects, ensuring that the firm selects a leader who aligns with its vision and operational goals moving forward. This approach not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust leadership structure but also highlights the importance it places on stability during transition periods.

Cohen & Steers specializes in managing real assets and alternative income, including areas such as listed and private real estate, infrastructure, and commodities. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in New York City, the firm boasts a global presence with additional offices in London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore. As it navigates this leadership change, the firm remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional investment management services to its clients.

As Cohen & Steers embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on the strategic decisions made in the coming months and the impact these changes will have on the firm’s trajectory in the competitive investment landscape.