William ("Gentry") Lee, Jr. - Fayez Sarofim & Co.
Current Role and Responsibilities
William ("Gentry") Lee, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Fayez Sarofim & Co. Additionally, he serves as a Director of The Sarofim Group and is a member of Fayez Sarofim & Co.'s Executive and Investment Committees. Mr. Lee's key responsibilities include overseeing the firm’s investment strategies, client services, and business operations.
He is also a Portfolio Manager for a diversified group of institutional and high-net-worth clients, co-managing mutual funds that Fayez Sarofim & Co. advises for BNY Mellon.
Educational Background
Mr. Lee has a distinguished academic background:
- M.B.A. with High Distinction from Harvard Business School (1998), where he was honored as a Baker Scholar.
- B.A. in Economics with High Honors from Vanderbilt University (1994), graduating summa cum laude and being elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Professional Experience
Before joining Fayez Sarofim & Co., Mr. Lee worked as a Financial Analyst at Enron Capital & Trade Resources. Since joining Fayez Sarofim & Co. in 1998 as an Associate, his areas of research have spanned various sectors, including beverages, technology, and transportation.
Board Memberships and Leadership Roles
Mr. Lee's leadership extends beyond his primary role at Fayez Sarofim & Co. He serves on several boards:
- Wood Partners
- St. John’s School
Previously, he has served on the boards of:
- Carruth Foundation
- Memorial Park Conservancy
He was also the Co-President of the Houston Vanderbilt University Alumni Chapter.
Professional Connections and Location
Mr. Lee is based in Houston, Texas and has established a significant professional network, boasting over 500 connections on LinkedIn.
Company Overview: Fayez Sarofim & Co.
Fayez Sarofim & Co., established in 1958 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a prominent long-only, global equity investment manager. The firm manages approximately $25 billion in assets, providing services to various institutional and individual investors.
Executive Team Structure
As part of the executive team, Mr. Lee collaborates closely with other senior members, including:
- George M. Masterson - VP, Business Development
- Vernon S. Perry - Principal & Director, Fixed Income
- Reynaldo Reza - Senior Vice President
- David T. Searls III - Vice President
- Andrew P. Ziccardi - Principal
- Douglas K. Alder - Vice President
- Matthew M. Altenau - Principal
- Alan R. Christensen - President, Head, Investment Risk & Investment Committee Member
- Daniel P. Connally - Principal
- Catherine P. Crain - Vice President
- S.E. Dick - Principal
- Anthony J. Gracely - Principal & Director, ESG
By leveraging his expansive expertise and strategic vision, Mr. Gentry Lee plays a pivotal role in guiding Fayez Sarofim & Co.'s growth and maintaining its esteemed reputation in the investment community.
