Federated Hermes Names New Leader for High-Yield Investments
PITTSBURGH, June 22, 2026 — In a significant leadership transition, Federated Hermes has appointed Kathryn (Katie) Glass as the new head of its high-yield fixed-income group. This announcement comes as a pivotal moment for the company, marking the end of Mark Durbiano’s remarkable 44-year tenure. Durbiano will retire as of December 31, 2026, setting the stage for Glass to bring her extensive experience to the forefront.
Kathryn Glass brings nearly three decades of investment expertise and a legacy of dedication to Federated Hermes. Prior to this appointment, she served as the co-head of the high-yield group, a position she has held since February 2025. With 27 years at Federated Hermes, Glass has navigated the complexities of high-yield investment strategies across various platforms, including mutual funds, ETFs, and institutional portfolios, since she joined the firm in 1999.
John Fisher, Chairman of the Federated Advisory Companies, emphasized Glass's strong qualifications. He stated, "Katie brings extensive experience in high-yield investment management and a strong understanding of our range of investment offerings. Her appointment signifies not just her experience as co-head but also her proven capabilities in managing investments through multiple market cycles."
The high-yield investment sector is known for its potential high returns coupled with increased risk, making effective leadership crucial for balancing yield and risk. Glass will now spearhead a seasoned 19-member team—each averaging 19 years in the industry and 16 years at Federated Hermes. This group collectively manages around $11 billion in high-yield fixed-income strategies. This is part of the broader $100 billion portfolio in fixed-income assets managed by the firm as of the end of March 2026.
"Katie will continue our collaborative investment approach that has successfully generated strong, risk-adjusted results in high-yield strategies," stated Fisher.
Federated Hermes is renowned for its leadership in active investment management, boasting an impressive $907.1 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The firm offers comprehensive investment solutions, catering to over 11,000 institutions and intermediaries worldwide, including corporations, governmental entities, and financial institutions.
The transition to Glass not only exemplifies Federated Hermes' well-structured succession planning but also reinforces its commitment to maintaining high standards in investment management as it navigates the dynamic financial landscape.
As the investment world continues to evolve, the firm is set to benefit from Kathryn Glass's vast experience and adept leadership, ensuring a seamless continuation of its high-yield investment strategies. This move is seen as a significant step in securing the future stability and success of Federated Hermes in the high-yield market landscape, an area notorious for its intricate balance of risk and return.
For more details about Federated Hermes and its investment offerings, visit
FederatedHermes.com/us.