
Harris Associates has a long history of investing, with over 60 years of experience in managing value-oriented equity portfolios. The firm was founded in 1976 and has since grown to become one of the largest investment managers in the world.
Harris Associates is known for its disciplined investment approach, which focuses on buying high-quality companies at undervalued prices. This approach is rooted in the firm's commitment to long-term investing.
The firm's investment process is centered around a fundamental research approach, which involves analyzing a company's financials, management team, and competitive position. This research is used to identify undervalued companies with strong growth prospects.
Harris Associates' investment team is comprised of experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the markets and a proven track record of success. The team's expertise is reflected in the firm's ability to deliver strong returns to its clients over the long-term.
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Company Overview
Harris Associates was founded in 1976 by a group of experienced investors who had previously worked in the private investment office of Chicago entrepreneur Irving Harris.
The company was established by Victor Morgenstern, Myron Szold, Roger Brown, Ralph Wanger, Joe Braucher, Peter Foreman, Ed Neisser, and Earl Rusnak, all of whom had a strong background in finance and investing.
Irving Harris, the entrepreneur who inspired the founding of Harris Associates, was not directly related to Norman Harris, who established Harris Bank.
Investment Approach
Harris Associates takes a value investing approach, focusing on businesses that trade at a discount to their intrinsic value.
Their investment process involves a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the quality of management and a company's growth potential. Research by Morningstar in 2013 found that four of the seven Oakmark funds were ranked in the top 2% of their categories over a five-year period.
The firm's investment managers, including Bill Nygren, who joined in 1983, employ a value investing approach. This approach involves buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals.
Harris Associates' research-driven investment process is built from the bottom up, focusing on company fundamentals to estimate intrinsic value. This approach ensures that research analysts remain industry agnostic and focused on finding value.
Their investment process is characterized by high-conviction, actively managed portfolios, consistent investment philosophy, and a disciplined research process. They also maintain a long-term investment horizon.
Here are some key features of Harris Associates' investment approach:
- High-conviction, actively managed portfolios
- Consistent investment philosophy and disciplined research process
- Long-term investment horizon
Investment Team
At Harris Associates, the investment team is led by William W. Bergan, who has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry.
Their investment approach is based on a fundamental research process, which involves analyzing a company's financial statements, management team, and industry trends.
This approach has led to significant returns for Harris Associates' clients, with the firm's flagship fund, the Oakmark Fund, delivering a 10-year annualized return of 12.6% as of 2022.
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Investment Managers
Harris Associates has a strong team of investment managers who share a common approach to value investing. Bill Nygren, who joined the company in 1983, is a notable investment manager known for his value investing approach.
The company's investment managers are dedicated to finding undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. Their research-driven process ensures that they remain focused on finding value, regardless of market trends.
One of the key characteristics of Harris Associates' investment managers is their long-term investment horizon. This allows them to take a patient approach to investing and make decisions that are in the best interest of their clients.
Here are some of the key characteristics of Harris Associates' investment managers:
- High-conviction, actively managed portfolios
- Consistent investment philosophy and disciplined research process
- Long-term investment horizon
Appoints Chief HR Officer

Harris Associates has appointed Erin Yarnall as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Erin comes to Harris Associates from leadership positions at Cars.com and Achievement Asset Management, LLC.
Erin will oversee the management of Harris Associates' most important asset – its people. She will lead a team of six HR professionals and four office service professionals.
As CHRO, Erin will develop and implement human resources best practices. She will also be responsible for maintaining high talent, engagement, performance, and culture goals.
Erin's experience and poise make her well-suited to drive contemporary HR initiatives at Harris Associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Harris & Associates?
The CEO of Harris & Associates is Michelle White, who also serves as President. Learn more about Michelle White's leadership and Harris & Associates' mission.
How many employees does Harris Associates have?
Harris Associates has a team of over 280 employee-owners who are passionate about their work. This dedicated team ensures that every project is a priority.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris_Associates
- https://www.im.natixis.com/en-us/about/investment-managers-and-capabilities/harris-associates
- https://hanold-associates.com/harris-associates-appoints-chief-hr-officer-from-search-led-by-hanold-associates/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harris-associates-lp-announces-launch-of-oakmark-us-large-cap-etf-302321430.html
- https://casetext.com/case/jones-v-harris-associates-lp-4
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