Cathy Saunders

Ms. Saunders is Head of Public Policy and Advocacy for Putnam Investments. She interfaces directly with national and local policymakers who influence and advocate for client financial outcomes. Ms. Saunders also represents the firm in a number of industry affinity groups focusing on retirement savings, education, philanthropy, and community engagement. At Putnam, she has worked extensively with both retail and institutional business lines. Ms. Saunders has been a spokesperson and content developer on a variety of key initiatives at the firm including: Women and Wealth, Lessons in Leadership, Elevating the Client Experience, Millennial Money, and Diversity and Inclusion. She maintains relationships across the enterprise and reports to Robert Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments.

Ms. Saunders has been in the asset management business since she joined Putnam in 1987. Most recently, she was responsible for leading Putnam’s innovative, client-centric internal consulting team. In this role, Ms. Saunders spearheaded the delivery and development of Putnam’s three pillars of valueadded programming: wealth management, practice management, and investment management. She also led Putnam’s early career program for Putnam Retail Management. Before managing the consulting team, Ms. Saunders served as Head of Putnam’s Registered Investment Advisory Business/Private Bank and Trust. Prior to this role, she led Putnam’s North America Institutional Business, including consultant relations and client service. Previously, as a Regional Director, Ms. Saunders managed Putnam’s retail business in the West region. In 2017, she received the Top Women in Asset Management Award from Money Management Executive. She is a member of Putnam’s Diversity Council and Women@Putnam, Putnam’s Women’s Leadership team. Ms. Saunders holds her Series 6, 7, 24, 26, 63, and 65 licenses with FINRA.