DoubleLine Bolsters Distribution with Veteran Hires
Event summary
- DoubleLine has hired Bradley Eckstein as National Sales Manager and Philip Schrode as Director, National Accounts.
- Both positions are newly created roles, reporting to Chief Distribution Officer Jonathan Kingery.
- Eckstein previously served as Head of U.S. Retail at Lord, Abbett & Co. (2014-2025).
- Schrode joins from Guggenheim Investments, where he was a Divisional Manager (2016-2026).
The big picture
DoubleLine's move to build out its distribution team suggests a strategic shift towards greater control over its client relationships and a desire to enhance its client experience. This investment comes as asset managers face increasing pressure to demonstrate value and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The hires, both with extensive experience in intermediary distribution, indicate a focus on optimizing sales strategies and potentially expanding into new channels.
What we're watching
- Distribution Focus
- DoubleLine’s investment in these roles signals a renewed emphasis on direct distribution, potentially reducing reliance on third-party intermediaries and impacting fee structures.
- Sales Execution
- The success of these hires will depend on their ability to integrate into DoubleLine’s existing culture and effectively leverage their experience to drive sales growth within a competitive landscape.
- Account Coverage
- The effectiveness of Schrode’s national account coverage efforts will be key to retaining and expanding relationships with institutional clients, particularly given the increasing demands for customized investment solutions.
Related topics