Champlain is refocusing on its domestic-equity strategies. At the end of 2022, it will liquidate two small emerging-markets strategies it brought on in 2015 as part of its only acquisition, which was intended to diversify the lineup. That plan didn't work out, and the firm is now content to remain focused on its small- and mid-cap growth strategies, which account for nearly all of its $16 billion in assets under management. Those strategies are currently closed to new investors, which limits growth for Champlain, but also showcases its discipline around smart capacity management. According to the firm, growth from here will be organic.
Meanwhile, firm founders Judy O'Connell and Scott Brayman nurture a strong culture that should endure as the firm implements a multiyear transition to its second generation of leaders. As other founding partners retired, Champlain reassigned research responsibilities, promoted analysts trained in-house, and recruited others with experience. The homegrown talent is moving into leadership roles: Corey Bronner and Joseph Caliguiri were promoted in 2022 to joint deputy CIOs. The firm is also transferring equity from retired founders to current team members to help continued retention.