CCM Announces Management Changes, Effective June 30

WESTMONT, Ill., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarke Capital Management, Inc. (CCM), an award-winning Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA), today announced that fund manager and founder Michael Clarke will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Chairman. John O'Brien, Jr. will assume the role of CEO of the managed futures firm, effective June 30.

Chad Butler will remain the firm's President.  O'Brien, who is taking on day-to-day management responsibilities, will focus on enhancing CCM's marketing, distribution and product development.  Clarke will continue to guide corporate strategy with an emphasis on research.

Clarke said: "I'm truly excited about the future of Clarke Capital Management. John O'Brien, Jr.'s experience in the futures industry adds immense value to an already outstanding team.  Together, we will build on the core values and strong focus on clients and introducing brokers that have driven our success for nearly two decades."

O'Brien said: "The trading models Michael created have earned consistent returns and served CCM clients well.  We will maintain the course on these models and also look to add new futures products consistent with CCM's strong heritage."

O'Brien also serves as managing partner in Wag Holdings, LLC, a real estate investment group.  Prior to joining the staff of CCM, he was an Investment Analyst at O'Brien International, LLC, monitoring global macro-economic themes, performing due diligence on hedge funds and CTAs and investing the firm's capital.  He began his career as a floor broker and trader with R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO) and then became an independent futures trader before joining O'Brien International in 2008.

Certified as a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), O'Brien earned a Bachelor of Economics degree from DePaul University.

Founded in 1993, Clarke Capital Management, Inc. is a registered Commodity Trading Advisor, providing alternative investment programs through managed futures accounts.  Currently offering seven different trading programs, CCM has earned more than 50 monthly performance awards from BarclayHedge over the past five years.  Additionally, CCM has garnered Futures Magazine's annual "Top Trader" award multiple times. 

Having invested in the managed futures industry for nearly three decades, the O'Brien family took on a majority interest in CCM in 2009.  The family's participation in the futures industry dates back to 1914 with the founding of RJO.  Now the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm, RJO was one of the founding members of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

SOURCE Clarke Capital Management, Inc.