Rick Richert
Co-Lead CLOs, Portfolio Manager at Polen Capital Management LLC
About
Rick Richert is a Portfolio Manager and co-Lead of the CLO (Collateralized Loan Obligation) Platform at Polen Capital Management LLC in New York. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the firm’s U.S. CLO investment strategies and managing senior floating rate funds, with a focus on the leveraged credit and broadly syndicated loan markets.
Richert specializes in structured credit, particularly CLOs, and senior secured loans, drawing on extensive experience in launching and building CLO platforms. Before joining Polen Capital in 2023, he led the U.S. Par Loan and CLO Platform at Sound Point Capital, where he developed and managed the firm’s CLO products, launching Sound Point's first CLO in 2012 and expanding the platform significantly.
He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Southern College and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Richert is recognized for his objective, fact-based investment approach and substantial contributions to the leveraged credit and CLO sectors, positioning him as a leading specialist in structured credit asset management.
Career History
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polen Capital | Co-Lead CLOs, Portfolio Manager | Apr 2023 to Present | — |
| MetLife | Director - Bank Loan Unit | Sep 2000 to Jan 2005 | * One of two directors who managed a total of $3B in leveraged syndicated bank loans * Closely managed over 40 portfolio names of high yield bank loan issuers including negotiating amendments and ex... |
| MetLife | Associate Director - Private Placement Unit | Jan 1997 to Sep 2000 | * Closed over $2.5B of deals, including tax advantaged, synthetic and leveraged lease structures * Lead member of a small team of analysts sent to a distressed insurance company in order to value it... |
| MetLife | Associate - Private Placement Unit | Jun 1995 to Jan 1997 | * Provided extensive credit analysis to support the investment grade public corporate bond desk * Worked closely with senior management of middle-market companies in negotiating direct deals. |
| Sound Point Capital | Head of U.S. Par Loan and CLO Platform | May 2011 to Jul 2022 | Focused on managing the senior floating rate funds and the CLO business. Launched 1st CLO in 2012 and built platform to $16B in U.S. CLOs and $2B in senior bank loan funds. |
| American Capital | Principal | Jan 2006 to May 2010 | * Senior Portfolio Analyst covering leveraged loans and high yield bonds within the CLO Group. Our group was one of only approximately 25% of all CLO's that remained in compliance with all covenants... |
| Sanno Point Capital Management | Senior High Yield Analyst | Jan 2005 to Jan 2006 | * One of two high yield credit analysts providing fundamental credit research on high yield names for a market neutral relative value fund. * Covered homebuilders, cable, media, technology, retailer... |
Education
University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
M.B.A., Finance
1993 — 1995
Southern College
B.S., Accounting
1986 — 1989
Others at Polen Capital Management LLC (11)
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
C Christopher Ballard | Research Analyst | Boston, MA , United States |
 | President | Atlanta, GA , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Boston, MA , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Boston, MA , United States |
B Benjamin Santonelli | Portfolio Manager | Waltham, MA , United States |
K Kate Austin | Research Analyst | Boston, MA , United States |
K Kavi Sud | Research Analyst | Boston, MA , United States |
 | Portfolio Manager and Analyst | Hong Kong |
 | Research Analyst | London, United Kingdom |
 | Head of Team, Portfolio Manager and Analyst | Beverly, MA , United States |