Hedge-Fund Shareholder Activism

"I am a portfolio manager at RBC Wealth Management and for as long as I can remember, I always wanted to pursue some Ivy League executive education courses. My goal was to expand my knowledge of finance. Unfortunately, due to a busy schedule and the travel requirements, this dream did not become a reality until recently. After careful consideration, I chose to enroll in Whartons;;;Advanced Finance Program;;;. One of the courses I took is the;;;Shareholder Activism: Activating Change for Value Creation;;;program, which was excellent. Professors Kevin Kaiser and Bilge Yilmaz will take you backstage to experience how activist investors pursue corporate boards to create value. In the past, most investors might run away from investing in a company targeted by activist shareholders. However, after taking this course, one can better understand the ways in which you can capitalize on these investment opportunities and create value for your clients.;;;I was able to connect with a very diverse group of participants from around the world, all of us bringing in our own strengths and unique business experience. The case study work was collaborative and very practical. Additionally, several industry experts were invited to speak with us for fireside chats and these discussions provided a compelling, in-depth perspective of what happens behind the scenes. Last but not least, all the Wharton staff is top notch and always there to support you. I highly recommend this program.;;;You learn very quickly that growth isnt always value creating. In fact, it can be value destroying. This program was an incredible learning experience that will add value to my firm, my clients, and my career.;;;I had decided to sign up for the program because of my interest in activist investing. I was also interested in the extremely high caliber of the professors running the program, Professors Kevin Kaiser and Bilge Yilmaz. I have come across both professors previously and rate them extremely highly. What sets the program apart from other courses is the cutting-edge analysis using the latest theories and deal flow with access to the best practitioners on Wall Street, brought in by these professors with practical and intellectual rigor. A unique opportunity for participants in this program was the ability to apply game theory to a current activist campaign being undertaken by a top Wall Street activist and to explore the case study Professor Kaiser created in parallel with that activist. This is a clear example of the unparalleled access the program gives participants to the practical approach, information, and deal flow between Wharton and the Street!;;;I met a wonderful group of people with varied backgrounds and experiences and remain friends with a number of participants over different continents — we communicate constantly over ideas and opportunities and just check in regularly. Since completing the program, I have had the opportunity to engage with different funds over their activist strategies and understand more fully the corporate governance issues raised in the financial media. I would thoroughly recommend this program for anyone who wants to understand the workings of activist investors, learn how corporate boards can be held accountable to stakeholders, or simply immerse themselves in the practice and theory of corporate governance at the cutting edge of capitalism with the best professors in the business."

Musharaf (Moe) Anwar

Vice President and Portfolio Manager, RBC Wealth Management

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Jonathan Marks

Principal and Director, Cresa Medical Practice Group

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Mark Jaffray

Founder, Gotham Partners