President and CEO of Calamos Investments John Koudounis has been named “Global Investments Leader of the Year” by CEO Today.
In this cover and feature interview, he discusses his approach to leadership which has helped propel Calamos to new heights.
Calamos says that under Koudounis’s leadership, the firm has boosted profitability and expanded its innovative product offerings.
Koudounis also delves into his philanthropic work and what it means to him to make a positive impact beyond the financial world.
In the interview, Koudounis said that when he assumed the role of CEO at Calamos Investments in 2016, his vision was to elevate the firm’s already renowned brand and reputation as a leading alternatives asset manager. Enhancing profitability was the cornerstone of his strategy.
“Since joining Calamos, we’ve achieved remarkable growth, more than doubling our assets under management from $18 billion to $37 billion as of March 31, 2024,” he says.
Koudounis notes that In the last few years, Calamos expanded its investment capabilities, entering into private credit and sustainable investing. It introduced new products that are reshaping the investment landscape.
He mentioned the private credit closed-end interval fund brought in partnership with Aksia, a global leader in private markets, and a sustainable fund delivered by an innovative partnership with global professional athlete and philanthropist, Giannis Antetokounmpo. 2024.
He noted that this marked the first time an asset manager and professional athlete team together as 50 percent/50 percent co-owners to deliver a suite of sustainable investment funds.
“This isn’t a sponsorship or endorsement relationship; Giannis is a co-owner and we
are committed to delivering positive societal returns by donating up to 10 percent of our joint venture profits annually to charities that support themes of financial literacy and
empowerment.”
Calamos’s John Koudounis advice to new managers
With his vast experience, Koudounis offers some advice to young managers in the industry.
“Build strong relationships with your team members. Understanding their strengths and aspirations helps to build a strong and complementary leadership team. Celebrating wins
is important because no achievement is too small, and small achievements add to profound change.
“Acknowledging milestones and recognizing individual and team contributions serve as great catalysts for a superior work environment and a strong organization.
“Leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about inspiring and motivating those around you. As a leader, you have the power to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the confines of your role.”
Koudounis’ philanthropic work
The President and CEO of Calamos Investments says that his involvement in philanthropic organizations is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact beyond the financial world.
“Philanthropy provides a sense of purpose that exceeds profit margins and allows me to
contribute to causes that matter, whether it’s education, community development or healthcare, as examples.
As a proud Greek American, he notes that he works to preserve the heritage of his ancestors and the future prosperity of Greece, serving as a founding board member of The
Hellenic Initiative – a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in the future of Greece through programs focused on crisis relief, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
“My philanthropic pursuits aren’t isolated from my role at Calamos; they enrich it. They remind me that leadership is about balancing impact and empathy to institute a legacy of positive change,” he adds.
In 2020 he led a coalition of Chicago’s business leaders to raise more than $1 million in a humanitarian campaign for COVID-19 relief and recovery.
“Everyone has rallied in support of our beloved city to assist our residents who are struggling in the COVID-19 crisis. It is truly a campaign for Chicago, by Chicago,” Koudounis said at the time.
What makes Calamos Investments stand out?
“My vision remains unwavering — lead the charge in innovation, deliver excellence to our clients and make Calamos the premier alternative management brand,” Koudounis said.
He added that Calamos’ firm values and relentless focus on innovation have allowed it to differentiate itself over time.
“We’re not interested in being a firm that offers every investment type or strategy at a low cost. We’re a premium brand specializing in delivering sophisticated liquid alternative investments, convertible securities, and personalized wealth management capabilities that our clients need.
“We view our success and longevity as a reflection of our ability to meet the demands of investors through long-term performance, organic growth, and strategic acquisition. Through that lens, our assets under management have nearly doubled, and we have
expanded our presence in New York and Chicago, grown our wealth management capabilities, and reinforced our position as a longstanding and leading liquid alternatives
manager.
“Whether through Calamos Wealth Management or Calamos Investments, we remain steadfast in our commitment to put investors first, actively manage risk, and deliver innovation and excellence, Koudounis added.