A resident of Dallas, Texas, James Dondero is the founder and president of Highland Capital Management. He has over 30 years of experience in the credit markets.
Highland Capital Management opened its doors for business in 1993. The firm is considered a pioneer in the creation of the collateralized loan obligation market as well as credited oriented types of investment solutions for retail as well as institutional investors.
In addition to his position at Highland Capital Management, James Dondero is the chairman of Cornerstone Healthcare, CCS Medical as well as Nexbank. He serves on the board of directors of the iconic motion picture company, MGM Studies. He is also on the board of directors of American Banknote.
Prior to founding Highland Capital Management, James Dondero was the chief investment officer of Protective Life. While in that position, Dondero is credited with building out the GIC subsidiary of Protective Live. He served as chief investment officer of Protective Life from 1989 to 1993. While in the position involving the GIC subsidiary, Dondero raised and managed more than $2 billion in assets.
Highland Capital Management has about $20 billion in total assets under the firm’s management. The firm also invests a small percentage of this assets under its management in equities.
Before joining Protective Life, from 1985 until 1989, Dondero served as a corporate bond analyst and later a portfolio manager for American Express. At American Express, Dondero managed about $1 billion in fixed income funds. Dondero began his illustrious career in the Morgan Guaranty training program, which is one of the most highly regarded programs of its type in the United States.
Dondero graduated from the University of Virgina McIntire School of Commerce. He graduated with dual majors in accounting and finance. Dondero completed his studies at UVA, receiving the university’s top honors in doing so.
In addition to his professional experiences and educational background, Dondero is designated as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). In addition, Dondero earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well.
As his position on different boards of directors confirm, Dondero is called upon frequently is discuss and analyze the credit markets. He writes frequently in this area of the investment market. He is called upon to present at conferences and conventions on topics relating to the credit markets, particularly those areas in which he has garnered an industry-wide reputation as an innovator and specialist.
