New York, September 14, 2022 – The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announced today that Rosalind M. Hewsenian, Chief Investment Officer, will retire at the end of 2023 and Joshua Fenton, Director of Investments, will assume the role on January 1, 2024.

Hewsenian joined Helmsley in 2010 and created an investment strategy and portfolio that led to unprecedented endowment growth and accolades in the world of philanthropy. She built an acclaimed team of industry leaders and played an instrumental role in the ability of Helmsley to carry out its mission. Hewsenian previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Clay Finlay LLC and partner and senior investment consultant at Wilshire Associates. Upon her retirement from Helmsley, Hewsenian intends to contribute her extensive expertise through future corporate board service, and as a member of Helmsley’s Investment Committee.

“Roz is a visionary leader and a wonderful colleague who has expertly led the strategic direction and implementation of Helmsley’s investment program for more than a decade,” said the Trustees of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, Sandor Frankel, David Panzirer, and Walter Panzirer. “Under her direction, our endowment grew exponentially, allowing us to expand our impact. We are endlessly grateful for all that she has done for Helmsley. We would not be the institution that we are today without her.”

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as Helmsley’s Chief Investment Officer and to see firsthand how our investment strategy has helped improve the lives of countless people around the globe,” said Hewsenian. “It has been a privilege to work alongside a team of innovative, creative individuals who are always looking for ways to better the world around them.”

“Roz’s service to Helmsley is truly remarkable, including the outstanding team that she built,” said Helmsley CEO Sarah Paul. “I am fully confident that Joshua will continue to build on Helmsley’s success, and I look forward to working even more closely with him in the years to come.”

Fenton joined Helmsley in 2012 and brings almost 30 years of investment experience as an equity analyst and portfolio manager, including time at Breeden Capital Management, Clay Finlay LLC, and Gabelli Asset Management. In his current role, Fenton works closely with Hewsenian to execute Helmsley’s investment program and is principally responsible for Helmsley’s investments in public markets.

“I am honored to serve as Helmsley’s next Chief Investment Officer and look forward to maintaining our standard of excellence in the coming years,” said Mr. Fenton. “Roz has been an exceptional mentor throughout my career, and I am excited to continue working with our team to fulfill the Trust’s mission of helping people live better lives. I am grateful to Helmsley’s Trustees for this opportunity.”

About Helmsley

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the United States and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes.

Contact:

Laura Fahey, lfahey@helmsleytrust.org