The firm has come a long way since its origin as a value-equity shop under Roy Neuberger in 1939. Many of its distinct fixed-income and equity portfolio management teams are long-standing mainstays, but the firm has methodically added to its investment capabilities, creating a more diversified product suite. In November 2020, for example, the firm added a seven-member global-equity team from NN Investment Partners. Deep supporting resources and thoughtful succession planning have facilitated smooth manager transitions, including one currently in process on flagship Neuberger Berman Genesis. Meanwhile, an ongoing initiative to build a mutual fund business in China demonstrates the firm's commitment to expanding its global reach opportunistically.
CEO George Walker is heavily involved in vetting prospective investment teams, though these additions have slowed as the product lineup has matured. Firm ownership and alignment with fundholders are foundational to the culture. One fourth of employees (including many senior investment decision-makers) have stakes in the employee-owned firm, creating shared ownership in the firm's success.