Voice of Experience: Kim Stafford, Executive Vice President, PIMCO

By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

“One of the challenges women face in financial services is the overall number of senior women we have as an industry. There are many amazing women at PIMCO, and in the industry broadly, but there are fewer of them than men,” explained Kim Stafford, Executive Vice President at PIMCO.

She continued, “But I’m actually quite heartened that this is changing. We’re actually seeing many more female leaders in the industry and that’s exciting.”

After eleven years at the firm, Stafford recently joined PIMCO’s executive office, working on firm-wide strategic, financial and operational initiatives. Also an enthusiastic supporter of women in the industry, Stafford is a member of the steering committee for the firm’s Women’s Leadership Network.

Growing Up at PIMCO

“I really have grown up here,” says Stafford, who earned her MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. She’s held three different roles at PIMCO – each distinctly different, but all “dynamic experiences” that colleagues describe as integral to the firm’s business.

“I started off in trade compliance – it was really fascinating,” she said. “It gave me exposure to the bottom up process. I saw every trade. I learned the bond market. It was my micro foundation. Then I realized I wanted to go discuss our macro strategy and to interact with clients.”

That led her to join the firm’s consultant relations group. “It was a great blend of servicing and marketing. It was a valuable learning experience and a tremendous chance to work with our clients and their consultants.”

In fact, Stafford said, one of her proudest experiences was when she was in this role, helping clients manage through the financial crisis of 2007 to 2009. “We worked to help protect assets, provide liquidity, and work out troubled portfolios for our clients.”

“It was really all hands on deck, and it’s a time I’m proud of,” she recalled. “We rise to the occasion at a time of crisis for our clients.”

At the end of last year, Stafford moved into the 8-person executive office, working in the business management group of the firm with PIMCO’s CEO and Co-CIO Mohamed El-Erian. “All three roles have been crucial to building an exciting career,” she said.

Currently, Stafford says she is energized by her new business management role. “The investment environment is evolving. We call it ‘the New Normal’ at PIMCO. It means an evolution in the financial markets that requires providing new solutions to help clients manage risk and meet their investment objectives.”

She continued, “We are working to understand the needs and objectives of our clients, and provide solutions locally for our global client base. It’s an exciting time for PIMCO.”

Advice for Women in Investment Management

“I wish I had known that you can’t plan the path of your career. Opportunities present themselves. When you start out, coming out of school, it’s easy to have a road map. But being able to recognize opportunities and take chances is the advice I would give,” Stafford said.

She advised women beginning their careers to “just go for it.”

“This is such a dynamic industry, and I truly believe you can have such a rewarding career. I would encourage anyone to consider it.”

Senior women in the industry should be aware that they are looked up to, she said. “They are perceived as role models for women. Everyone wants a mentor but nobody sees themselves as a mentor. I encourage women to look inside, recognize their strengths, and share them with others.”

Women at PIMCO

“The attraction and retention of more women in this industry is something we’re really focused on at PIMCO at all levels, as well as making sure women stay in their career,” Stafford said.

Stafford said that she and her fellow steering committee members for the firm’s Women’s Leadership Network look for answers to the question, “How can we foster an environment that is encouraging for female talent?”

She continued, “We have an exciting global network across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. It’s our mission to provide connections with other women at the firm, as well as leadership development and networking opportunities.”

“Women can learn a lot and be supported. Sharing knowledge and best practices is the real benefit,” she added.

In Her Personal Time

Outside the office, Stafford enjoys spending time with her family and seeing the world. “I love to travel,” she said. Additionally, she is part of the firm’s volunteer network, PIMCO Partners.

“It provides many opportunities around the world to volunteer locally,” she said. “One of my favorites is one of our signature events, the Special Olympics in Long Beach.”

Stafford said spending time with the athletes is what she values most. “It’s such a heartwarming event,” she continued. “It’s not to be missed.”