As managing director of alternative distribution strategies for Legg Mason Global Asset Management, Ann Doyle is responsible for advancing the firm’s technology investment platform. During an impressive career spanning more than 25 years in the financial services industry, Doyle has held global, product, investment and sales roles. She is a highly respected investment leader, committed to excellence and innovation.
Doyle often leads high-level initiatives at Legg Mason, including the Executive Diversity Council’s education and awareness subcommittee, as well as an innovation committee. She is a member of the firm’s valuation committee and the investment committee of Financial Guard (a technology investment platform). A strong supporter of the firm’s high school workplace internship program, Doyle often hosts interns in her department. She also mentors developing professionals and female leaders, providing career and networking advice to employee resource group members and others.
Doyle serves on the Baltimore Archdiocese’s Partner In Excellence board and remains involved with her alma mater via the alumni committee. She is also a member of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s LEADERship class.
“I believe education is an equalizer and the pathway for more women and minorities to become leaders,” says Doyle. “A quality education bolsters self-confidence and leads to greater opportunities.” According to Doyle, diversity within financial services is extremely important, as the industry faces disrupters such as a changing regulatory landscape, the transfer of wealth to a digital-savvy generation, and access to more powerful technology and big data. Studies show that bringing diverse individuals together boosts net profits and increases innovation, logical analysis, planning and problem solving – tools necessary for success in a changing environment.
Doyle offers this advice to other women: “As a woman on the move within an organization, you are given more responsibility and expected to achieve greater results. But remember, your success depends to a large extent on the development and advocacy of your team.”