Founder Ron Baron’s long-term, fundamentals-driven philosophy still stands as this firm’s most important pillar 40 years after its inception. But despite its lengthy history, Baron has adapted to keep up with the times. The firm has expanded well beyond its roots in small- and mid-cap U.S. equities to areas such as international equities and sector funds. The growth of offerings has come with commensurate development of the firm’s research roster, which totaled 17 portfolio managers and 22 analysts as of June 2022.
Baron, now nearing 80 years old, remains the CEO and clear leader of the firm, though he’s taken prudent steps to diversify both his portfolio management and operational responsibilities. Co-chief investment officers Cliff Greenberg and Andrew Peck have overseen the broader research operation since 2020, while Baron’s sons (who stand to inherit their father’s ownership) serve on an eight-person management committee that helps run the business.
Baron has long emphasized the importance of investing alongside clients, explaining the firm’s high levels of manager ownership. The firm’s above-average fees remain a key drawback, but its strategies have generally been able to deliver good results despite them.