Advantus Capital Management Announces New President

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Securian Financial Group Chairman and CEO Robert L. Senkler today announced that Christopher R. Sebald, CFA, was promoted to president of Advantus Capital Management, a Securian subsidiary. Formerly executive vice president and chief investment officer of Advantus, Sebald will continue to serve as CIO.

“Advantus is on a strong and steady growth trajectory allowing for a smooth leadership transition”

Sebald, 47, has been active in the investment industry for 24 years, 15 of them with Advantus. As CIO, he will continue to oversee investment policy, strategy formulation, product development and business development. Sebald also will continue his involvement in portfolio management for several fixed income portfolios in the Securian Funds Trust, institutional portfolios and the Ivy Bond Fund, which Advantus subadvises.

“Chris brings significant knowledge of the investment industry and markets, strong portfolio management skills and proven leadership experience,” said Senkler. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Chris’ skills and experience to lead Advantus and continue to build on its record of excellence.

“Advantus is on a strong and steady growth trajectory allowing for a smooth leadership transition,” he added. In addition to serving as Securian chairman and CEO, Senkler has been president of Advantus since 2008.

Sebald, who lives in Shorewood, MN, has a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA degree from the University of Minnesota.

Advantus Capital Management manages more than $24 billion in assets, including non-security assets. Clients include insurance companies, mutual fund sponsors, pension plans, foundations, and endowments. Clients can benefit from Advantus’ investment expertise and focus on specific client objectives. Advantus specializes in fixed income investments including private placements as well as equity investments in real estate and dividend income securities. Advantus also has expertise in commercial mortgage loan origination and servicing.

Since 1880, Securian Financial Group and its affiliates have provided financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, investments and retirement plans. Now one of the nation’s largest financial services providers, it is the holding company parent of a group of companies that offer a broad range of financial services.